Daytona 2000 - Corvair Speedweek

Sitting proudly among a vast collection of early models was Bill Stanley's 1963 Monza convertible. Black with a red interior, the car is equipped with a 102 hp engine, 4-speed manual transaxle with 3.27:1 final drive ratio, early style wire wheel covers and bumper guards, all around.

Bill, a resident of Jersey City, New Jersey, says he bought the Monza "mostly as is" in 1996 in Columbus, Ohio. He's made some changes, mostly to make the car more stock, which is his preference. He bought the correct rear grill to replace the more common '64 style replacement part it had when he bought the car. He also purchased the correct "custom feature accessory" seat belts for the front, and had them restored.

Bill tracked down and contacted all previous owners starting with the first, whose name still appears on the warranty information in the glove box. He says many had owned multiple Corvairs and some continue to exchange Christmas cards with him.

The Monza was transported to and from Daytona 2000 via Amtrak AutoTrain, and won 2nd Place in the Early/Open People's Choice Car Display. Bill, seen at left displaying his award, is a member of the New Jersey Association of Corvair Enthusiasts (NJACE).

Above, the Monza's well appointed interior, with bucket seats and a 4-speed stick. The stock pushbutton AM radio was an option that year. It's interesting to note the '63 Monza convertible was the best selling of the early model Corvair soft tops, with U.S. production reaching 44,165 cars.