Difference between revisions of "Corvair Monza GT (Concept car)"

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{{Infobox Automobile
{{Infobox Automobile
| name           = Chevrolet Corvette C3
|name=Corvair Monza GT
| image         = [[Image:1971 Chevrolet Corvette LT1.jpg|250px|1971 Corvette LT1 coupe]]
|image=[[Image:Corvair Monza GT.1.jpg|250px]]
| manufacturer  = [[Chevrolet]]
|caption= Corvair Monza GT at 2007 Amelia Island Concurs
| parent_company = [[General Motors]]
|manufacturer=[[General Motors Corporation|General Motors]]
| production     = 1968–1982
|production=1962
| predecessor   = [[Chevrolet Corvette C2]]
|predecessor=  
| successor     = [[Chevrolet Corvette C4]]
|successor=  
| class         = [[Sports car]]
|class=[[Sports car]] (experimental)
| assembly      = [[St. Louis, Missouri]]<br>[[Bowling Green, Kentucky]]
|body_style=2-door [[coupe]]
| body_style     = 2-door [[coupé]]<br>2-door [[convertible]]
|related= |similar=Monza SS Spyder
| layout        = [[FR layout]]
}}
{{Infobox Automobile generation
| name          = Base model
| image          = [[Image:Chevrolet Corvette C3 (Orange Julep).JPG|250px|Chevrolet Corvette C3]]
| production    = 1968–1982
| engine        = {{Auto CID|350}} ''[[Chevrolet Small-Block engine#350|Small-Block]]''&nbsp;[[V8]]
}}
{{Infobox Automobile generation
| name          = Big-block
| production    = 1968–1969
| engine        = {{Auto CID|427}} [[V8]]
}}
{{Infobox Automobile generation
| name          = Big-block
| production    = 1970–1975
| engine        = {{Auto CID|454}} [[V8]]
}}
}}


:For an outline of all the Chevrolet Corvette generations see {{main|Chevrolet Corvette}}
The [[Chevrolet]] '''Corvair Monza GT''' was a mid-engined experimental prototype  based on the early model [[Chevrolet Corvair]] series. Essentially a concept vehicle, the Monza GT was destined never to enter production.


The '''Chevrolet Corvette C3''' is a [[sports car]] patterned after Chevrolet's [[Mako Shark (show car)|"Mako Shark II"]] (designed by [[Larry Shinoda]]), produced between 1968 and 1982. It is the third and longest-running generation of [[Chevrolet Corvette]]s built and marketed by [[Chevrolet]].
==Design and development==
Under direction by [[Bill Mitchell]], the Corvair Monza GT coupe was designed by [[Larry Shinoda]] and Tony Lapine in 1962, borrowing from the Bertone designed Testudo concept car. Like the earlier design, the GT doors swung upward and were actually a front hinged canopy that extended into the B section; the rear engine cover also hinged at the rear. The engine used was a standard Corvair  145 cu. in. {{Convert|102|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}, flat six with a "two carb-layout." Unlike the production Corvair, the GT engine was mounted ahead of the transaxle, turned around 180 degrees and mounted as a "true" mid-engine layout. The chassis was on a 92" wheelbase, {{convert|16|in|mm|0}} shorter than production cars. The overall dimensions were similarly reduced with a length of {{Auto in|165|1}}, and a height of only {{convert|42|in|mm|0}}, creating a diminutive but beautifully proportioned sportscar.


This generation has the distinction of being introduced to the motoring public in an unorthodox—and unintended—fashion. 1968 marked the introduction of [[Mattel]]'s now-famous [[Hot Wheels]] line of 1/64-scale die cast toy cars. General Motors had tried their best to keep the appearance of the upcoming car a secret, but the release of the Hot Wheels line several weeks before the Corvette's unveiling had a certain version of particular interest to Corvette fans: the "Custom Corvette", a GM-authorized model of the 1968 Corvette.
Besides its streamlined and "swoopy" appearance, the Monza GT was full of other innovative features including magnesium-alloy wheels, 4-wheel disc brakes and fixed seats with adjustable pedals, features that would not find their way into production cars for years.


In 1969, GM enlarged their small-block [[V8 engine|V8]] again to 350&nbsp;in³ (5.7&nbsp;L) and the ZL1 option was offered, with an all aluminum 427 big-block engine listed at 430 horsepower (320 kW) but generally accepted as delivering at least one hundred horsepower (75 kW) more than that.{{Fact|date=April 2008}} This option cost $4,700 (the ZL1 was a $3,010 option that consisted of an assortment of aluminum cylinder block and heads on top of the $1,032.15 L88 race option.), and only 2 were ever built.<ref>[http://www.rowleycorvette.com/stats69.html][http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/05/automobiles/05SPIN.html?_r=1&oref=login NY Times] </ref>  
==Operational history==
Introduced to the public in June 1962 at Elkhart Lake at an SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) race for A and B production classes (where incidentally Chevrolet Corvettes won both events), the Corvair Monza GT was an instant hit with enthusiasts. Reporters then (and now) remarked that the car was "gorgeous." <ref> [http://www.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2007/112_0703_2007_amelia_island_concours/ 2007 Amelia Island Concours d' Elegance at Motor Trend.com] Note: Frank Markus for ''Motor Trend'' called the GT "gorgeous" in 2007 when it appeared at the Amelia Island Concurs.</ref>


In 1970 the 427 big-block [[V8]] was enlarged to 454&nbsp;in³ (7.4&nbsp;L). Power peaked in the 1970 and 1971 models, with the 1970 LT-1 small-block putting out 370&nbsp;hp (276&nbsp;kW) and the 1971 454 big-block having its last year of big power with 425&nbsp;hp (317&nbsp;kW). In 1972, GM moved to the [[horsepower#hp (SAE)|SAE Net]] measurement for power (away from the previous SAE Gross standard), which resulted in lower values expressed in reported horsepower. Along with the move to [[unleaded fuel]] which required lower [[compression ratio]]s, emission controls, and catalytic converters, power continued to decline and bottomed out in 1975—the base L48 engine put out 165&nbsp;hp (123&nbsp;kW), and the optional L82 engine put out 205&nbsp;hp (153&nbsp;kW). This was the lowest power Corvette since the first year of production. Nevertheless, ''[[Car and Driver]]'' magazine found the Corvette to be the fastest accelerating American car for 1976, with a 0-60 time of 7.1 seconds. Power remained fairly steady for the rest of the C3 generation, ending in 1982 with the 200&nbsp;hp (149&nbsp;kW) L83 engine. In 1980, all California-spec Corvettes received the smaller 305 cubic-inch V8 due to that state's more stringent emission regulations along with an automatic transmission for just that one year, while 49-state Corvettes continued with the 350 V8 and a choice of automatic or four-speed manual transmissions.
The Chevrolet Corvair Monza GT coupe toured together with its "sister ship" Monza SS (Spyder) in early 1963, making a further public appearance at the New York Auto Show. Although both cars were based on the Corvair drive train, each represented a futuristic development of the adaptable Corvair design. In the SS convertible, the engine (with a four-carburettor setup) was left in its stock location behind the transaxle, allowing a shorter (88 inch) wheelbase.  


Styling changed subtly over the generation. In 1973, the Corvette dropped the front chrome bumpers for a [[urethane]]-compound "5&nbsp;mph" bumper but kept the rear chrome bumpers. In 1974, The rear chrome bumpers became urethane, too, making 1973 the last Corvette model year with any chrome bumpers. 1975 was the last year for the convertible, and 1978 saw the introduction of a glass bubble rear window to "freshen" the car appearance for it's 25th Anniversary. Corvette production hit its peak in 1979, at 53,807.<ref name="nytimes.com">[http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/05/automobiles/05SPIN.html?_r=1&oref=login That ’70s ’Vette: Just Another Girly Car? - New York Times<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> In 1980, the Corvette got an integrated [[Aerodynamics|aerodynamic]] redesign that resulted in a significant reduction in drag.  1980 was also the introduction of many weight-saving components such as thinner body panels and an aluminum Dana 44 IRS differential (instead of the previously used but arguably stronger iron GM 10 bolt IRS diff).<ref name="nytimes.com"/>
Although the SS came very close to series production, both cars ended up as concepts only, tied to the fortunes of the embattled Corvair which was undergoing a beating at the hands of Ralph Nader. The Monza GT ended up at the GM's Heritage Center in Detroit.


==Special Editions==
One interesting offshoot was that Disneyland featured a World of Tomorrow car ride attraction that used the Corvair Monza GT as the basis for the ride.  
[[Image:1975 Chevrolet Corvette convertible front.jpg|thumb|1975 Chevrolet Corvette convertible]]
[[Image:1981 Chevrolet Corvette last day.jpg|thumb|St. Louis "Last Day" 1981 coupe]]
===Collector Edition===
The 1982 '''Collector Edition''' was the first Corvette [[hatchback]], foreshadowing the C4 Corvette. It included a "cross-fire" TBI [[fuel injected]] engine good for 200&nbsp;hp (149&nbsp;kW). 6,759 Collector Edition Corvettes were produced that year, out of a total production of 25,407.


The Collector Edition also had special aluminum wheels designed to look like the bolt-on wheels of the 1967 car. A special color scheme was used inside and out along with Collector Edition badges. The Collector Edition had a "0" in the sixth digit of the VIN rather than the "8" found on standard Corvettes. This was the first Corvette to sell for more than $20,000, with a base price of $22,537.59.
Today, the Corvair Monza GT concept car is one of the more than 700 vehicles found in the GM Heritage Collection of historically significant vehicles that date back to the early 1900s.
 
===Indianapolis 500 pace cars===
The C3 Coupe was chosen as the [[List of Indianapolis 500 pace cars|pace car]] for the [[1978 Indianapolis 500|1978]] [[Indianapolis 500]]<ref>[http://www.mathewscollection.com/corvette/Corvette_78_Coupe_Pace.htm 1978 Corvette Pace Car]</ref>. To celebrate this choice on its 25th year of production, Chevrolet intended to produce just over 300 [[replica]] pace cars. That number was increased later due to high demand, with Chevrolet deciding to produce one replica for every Chevrolet dealer in the [[United States]] at the time, 6,502 cars in total.
 
The replicas were equipped with a two toned color scheme (black on top and silver on bottom with a red line circumventing the car an inch below the intersection of the other two colors) with several sticker emblems on the door and behind the rear fender wells. The pace cars were equipped with otherwise optional tinted glass t-tops and rear [[Spoiler (automotive)|spoiler]].
 
====Special VINs====
The [[VIN]]s of the replicas differed from the standard Corvette. An example VIN is 1Z8748S420001. The 1Z87 was the code for all models, the first 4 was the [[Internal combustion engine|engine]] (in this case the L-82), the last 5 digits signify the actual number the car had. The pace car last five VINs began with 9 (example 900189)
 
===ZR1===
The ZR1 option is an $1,221.00 option available exclusively with the LT-1 engine option. It was a special racing package that included the solid-lifter small-block engine, heavy-duty four-speed transmission, power brakes, aluminum radiator, and a revised suspension with special springs, shocks, stabilizer bar, and spindle-strut shafts. Since it was competition equipment, the ZR1 could not be ordered with power windows, power steering, air conditioning, a rear-window defogger, wheel covers, or a radio.<ref>[http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1971-corvette.htm 1971 Corvette]</ref>
 
===ZR-2===
It is a 1-year option originally planned for 1970<ref>[http://www.titanbrammer.com/ 1970 ZR-2 Corvette]</ref>, but officially released in 1971 for $1,747.00. It included the racing equipment options in ZR1, but it is an option for the LS-6 engine. Per GM policy, 1971 Corvette engines were detuned to run on low-lead fuel, except for the LS-6 454, which was rated at {{convert|425|bhp|abbr=on}} on premium gas. 188 cars in the 1971 model included LS-6 [[engine]], with 12 cars including the ZR-2 package.<ref>[http://corvettemuseum.com/specs/2001/hist.htm 2001 Corvette - Historical Background<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
 
==Production notes==
{|class=wikitable
!Year!!Production!!Base Price!!Notes
|- align=right
|1968||28,566||$4,663||align=left|First C3; 2-piece [[T-top]]s are new; three-speed Turbo Hydra-matic replaces two-speed Powerglide as automatic transmission option
|- align=right
|1969||38,462||$4,780||align=left|First year of the 350&nbsp;in³ [[Chevrolet Small-Block engine#350|Small-Block]]; longer model year extended to December, 1969 due to delay in introduction of 1970 model; "Stingray" emblem added
|- align=right
|1970||17,316||$5,192||align=left|First year for the [[Chevrolet Small-Block engine#LT-1|LT-1]] Small-Block and 454&nbsp;in³ [[Chevrolet Big-Block engine#454|Big-Block]]; three-speed manual transmission dropped and four-speed manual became standard with Turbo Hydra-matic available as no-cost option with all engines except LT-1 350; posi-traction also made standard equipment; introduced along with all-new second-generation [[Chevrolet Camaro]] on Feb. 26, 1970
|- align=right
|1971||21,801||$5,496||align=left|Significant horsepower drops due to reduced compression ratios to meet GM corporate edict requiring all engines to run low-octane unleaded gasoline; horsepower ratings based on both "gross" and "net" figures with the former based on engine hooked to dynometer while "net" ratings were based on horsepower as installed in vehicle with accessories and emission controls hooked up
|- align=right
|1972||27,004||$5,533||align=left|Last year for front chrome bumpers, the LT-1, and the optional removable rear window; horsepower ratings now advertised in SAE net figures only
|- align=right
|1973||30,464||$5,561||align=left|Only year with chrome rear and plastic front bumpers; radial tires made standard equipment
|- align=right
|1974||37,502||$6,001||align=left|Plastic bumpers all around (rear with a center split); last year of the 454
|- align=right
|1975||38,645||$6,810||align=left|[[Catalytic converter]]s are new; last year of the convertible until 1986; new (simulated) pads stick out of the bumpers. One piece rear bumper
|- align=right
|1976||46,558||$7,604||align=left| Alloy wheels an option.  Last year of "Stingray" emblem.
|- align=right
|1977||49,213||$8,647||align=left|New interior console.
|- align=right
|1978||46,776||$9,750||align=left|Silver Anniversary and [[List of Indianapolis 500 pace cars|Indy 500 Pace Car]] versions; new fastback rear and redesigned instruments & interior.
|- align=right
|1979||53,807||$10,220||align=left|New interior comfort features; highest Corvette sales year to date
|- align=right
|1980||40,614||$13,140||align=left|Lightened materials and bumper-cap spoilers; Federal government required {{convert|85|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} speedometer; California cars powered by 305 V8 and automatic transmission for this year only
|- align=right
|1981||40,606||$16,258||align=left|Production is switched from St. Louis to new Bowling Green plant; 350 V8 returns in California cars
|- align=right
|1982||25,407||$18,290||align=left|No manual transmission offered; new cross-fire fuel-injected [[Chevrolet Small-Block engine#L83|L83]] engine; Collectors Edition hatchback is ¼ of total sales
|-
!Total!!542,741!!!!
|}
 
==Engines==
{| class=wikitable
!Engine
!Year
!Power
|-
|305&nbsp;in³ "Calif. Only" LG4 [[V8]]||1980||180&nbsp;hp (134&nbsp;kW) net
|-
|rowspan=2|327&nbsp;in³ ''[[Chevrolet Small-Block engine#327|Small-Block]]'' [[V8 engine|V8]]||1968||300&nbsp;hp (224&nbsp;kW)
|-
|1968–1969||350&nbsp;hp (261&nbsp;kW)
|-
|rowspan=21|350&nbsp;in³ ''[[Chevrolet Small-Block engine#350|Small-Block]]'' [[V8]]||1969||300&nbsp;hp (224&nbsp;kW)
|-
|1970||350&nbsp;hp (261&nbsp;kW)
|-
|1970–1971||370&nbsp;hp (276&nbsp;kW)
|-
|1971||270&nbsp;hp (201&nbsp;kW)
|-
|1971||330&nbsp;hp (246&nbsp;kW)
|-
|1972||200&nbsp;hp (149&nbsp;kW) net
|-
|1972||255&nbsp;hp (190&nbsp;kW) net
|-
|1973||190&nbsp;hp (142&nbsp;kW) net
|-
|1973–1974||250&nbsp;hp (186&nbsp;kW) net
|-
|1974||195&nbsp;hp (145&nbsp;kW) net
|-
|1975||165&nbsp;hp (123&nbsp;kW) net
|-
|1975||205&nbsp;hp (153&nbsp;kW) net
|-
|1976–1977||180&nbsp;hp (134&nbsp;kW) net
|-
|1976–1977||210&nbsp;hp (157&nbsp;kW) net
|-
|1978||185&nbsp;hp (138&nbsp;kW) net
|-
|1978||220&nbsp;hp (164&nbsp;kW) net
|-
|1979||195&nbsp;hp (145&nbsp;kW) net
|-
|1979||249&nbsp;hp (168&nbsp;kW) net
|-
|1980–1981||190&nbsp;hp (142&nbsp;kW) net
|-
|1980||230&nbsp;hp (172&nbsp;kW) net
|-
|1982||200&nbsp;hp (149&nbsp;kW)
|-
|rowspan=2|427&nbsp;in³ ''[[Chevrolet Big-Block engine#427|Big-Block]]'' [[V8]]||1968–1969||390&nbsp;hp (291&nbsp;kW)
|-
|1968–1969||400&nbsp;hp (298&nbsp;kW)
|-
|427&nbsp;in³ ''[[Chevrolet Big-Block engine#427|Big-Block]]'' Tri-Power [[V8]]||1968–1969||435&nbsp;hp (324&nbsp;kW)
|-
|-
|427&nbsp;in³ ZL1 aluminum [[V8]]||1969||550-680&nbsp;hp (410-507&nbsp;kW) estimated
|-
|-
|rowspan=5|454&nbsp;in³ ''[[Chevrolet Big-Block engine#454|Big-Block]]'' [[V8]]||1970||390&nbsp;hp (291&nbsp;kW)
|-
|1971||{{Convert|365|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} gross, {{Convert|285|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} net
|-
|1971||425&nbsp;hp (317&nbsp;kW)
|-
|1972, 1974||270&nbsp;hp (201&nbsp;kW) net
|-
|1973||275&nbsp;hp (205&nbsp;kW) net
|}


==References==
==References==
{{reflist|1}}
{{Reflist}}
 
* Ludvigsen, Karl. ''Corvair by Chevrolet: Experimental & Production Cars 1957-1969 (Ludvigsen Library)''. Hudson, Wisconsin: Iconografix , 2002. ISBN 978-1583880586.
==See also==
* [[Chevrolet Corvette]]
{{commonscat|Chevrolet Corvette C3}}
 
== External links ==
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{{Commonscat|Chevrolet Corvette}}
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{{Corvette timeline}}


[[Category:Chevrolet Corvette|C3]]
[[Category:Vehicles introduced in 1962]]
[[Category:Vehicles with boxer engines]]
[[Category:Chevrolet concept vehicles]]

Latest revision as of 16:01, 3 February 2009

Corvair Monza GT
Corvair Monza GT.1.jpg
ManufacturerGeneral Motors
Production1962
ClassSports car (experimental)
Body style(s)2-door coupe
ManualsService Manual

The Chevrolet Corvair Monza GT was a mid-engined experimental prototype based on the early model Chevrolet Corvair series. Essentially a concept vehicle, the Monza GT was destined never to enter production.

Design and development

Under direction by Bill Mitchell, the Corvair Monza GT coupe was designed by Larry Shinoda and Tony Lapine in 1962, borrowing from the Bertone designed Testudo concept car. Like the earlier design, the GT doors swung upward and were actually a front hinged canopy that extended into the B section; the rear engine cover also hinged at the rear. The engine used was a standard Corvair 145 cu. in. 102 hp (76 kW), flat six with a "two carb-layout." Unlike the production Corvair, the GT engine was mounted ahead of the transaxle, turned around 180 degrees and mounted as a "true" mid-engine layout. The chassis was on a 92" wheelbase, 16 inches (406 mm) shorter than production cars. The overall dimensions were similarly reduced with a length of 165 in (4191 mm), and a height of only 42 inches (1,067 mm), creating a diminutive but beautifully proportioned sportscar.

Besides its streamlined and "swoopy" appearance, the Monza GT was full of other innovative features including magnesium-alloy wheels, 4-wheel disc brakes and fixed seats with adjustable pedals, features that would not find their way into production cars for years.

Operational history

Introduced to the public in June 1962 at Elkhart Lake at an SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) race for A and B production classes (where incidentally Chevrolet Corvettes won both events), the Corvair Monza GT was an instant hit with enthusiasts. Reporters then (and now) remarked that the car was "gorgeous." [1]

The Chevrolet Corvair Monza GT coupe toured together with its "sister ship" Monza SS (Spyder) in early 1963, making a further public appearance at the New York Auto Show. Although both cars were based on the Corvair drive train, each represented a futuristic development of the adaptable Corvair design. In the SS convertible, the engine (with a four-carburettor setup) was left in its stock location behind the transaxle, allowing a shorter (88 inch) wheelbase.

Although the SS came very close to series production, both cars ended up as concepts only, tied to the fortunes of the embattled Corvair which was undergoing a beating at the hands of Ralph Nader. The Monza GT ended up at the GM's Heritage Center in Detroit.

One interesting offshoot was that Disneyland featured a World of Tomorrow car ride attraction that used the Corvair Monza GT as the basis for the ride.

Today, the Corvair Monza GT concept car is one of the more than 700 vehicles found in the GM Heritage Collection of historically significant vehicles that date back to the early 1900s.

References

  1. 2007 Amelia Island Concours d' Elegance at Motor Trend.com Note: Frank Markus for Motor Trend called the GT "gorgeous" in 2007 when it appeared at the Amelia Island Concurs.
  • Ludvigsen, Karl. Corvair by Chevrolet: Experimental & Production Cars 1957-1969 (Ludvigsen Library). Hudson, Wisconsin: Iconografix , 2002. ISBN 978-1583880586.