Curious to know the story behind a 33 year old Corvair driven only 2,700 miles since rolling off the assembly line, I asked Chuck to send me some facts on his car's history. Below is his response. Oh, and don't miss the excellent photos of Madeira with her top down. She's a Southern Belle!
 

The Origins of Madeira

I had jokingly asked on several occasions if Tony Kruzich would sell his car to me. We are good friends and have known each other since 1992. Tony helped me with engine mechanicals and reassembly when I restored my first ever Corvair in 1992. It was a 1968 500 Coupe with a Powerglide and 110 horsepower engine, which I named STREET EXPRESS. It was a mellow little car with Clarks dual exhaust and velour interior. Express it wasn't, but it was nice.

During the work done on this car, Tony realized that I was reasonably knowledgeable and had the same mindset about projects. If you are going to do it, do it right to begin with and save money in the long run. Neither of us are wealthy but we see eye to eye on necessary expenses. When Tony agreed to sell Madeira to me, I was very flattered. He later told me that he had only four people he really would consider selling the car to and I was one of those four.

I had heard the story of Madeira several times and will attempt to retell it to you. It will be as accurate as I recall, but please understand that I will paraphrase parts and can only relay some areas in general.

Tony was at the 1989 Nationals in Kansas City when he was told of a ad in Hemmings about a 1965 Corvair Monza with less than 1100 original miles that was for sale on Long Island, NY. He called to see if it was still for sale and told the owner he was leaving immediately for NY to see the car.

They drove straight through in 24 hours with trailer, to see the car. It had indeed been stored indoors in a working garage for 24 years and had 1039 miles on it. It had been wrecked on the New Jersey Turnpike three weeks after being purchased at O'Keefe Chevrolet on Long Island. The parts to repair it had been ordered and repair was to begin when they got to the dealership. The owner got anxious and forced the issue with the insurance company and they settled with another car.

The garage owner must have had enough space to just let it sit and incur storage fees. Tony said it was under several blankets and covers and had become the garage owners gun and ammo storage area.

The garage owner had finally decided to restore the car several years earlier, and called the parts department at O'Keefe Chevrolet to see if the parts that were ordered 20 years ago were still on the shelf! When he was told they were long gone, he took three or four years to finally advertise the car for sale. Pragmatic soul to say the least.

When Tony and his friend looked at the car, the front wheel on the driver's side was almost back to the steering wheel and the front clip of the car was destroyed. However, miraculously, everything else in the car was intact. The owner had apparently only suffered knee abrasions as there was a small amount of blood on the lower instrument area on each side of the steering column. Tony bought the car and then it took almost 6 hours to get it loaded on the trailer which could only be backed diagonally through the garage door because of clearance in the alley where the garage was located.

Tony grew up in Detroit and was the son of an auto machinist. He was into Corvairs early and had literally grown up around them. He had many contacts, had worked for GM, and was/is a complete mechanic with ability in any area of expertise. So, when he began restoration of Madeira, he literally restored to factory specs or better with all NOS parts from the windshield forward. The integrity of the car from the windshield back was intact and thus completely original.

Since Concours rules state that a car which has been repainted over 1/3 of the vehicle is not FACTORY ORIGINAL, Madeira is by definition only, FACTORY RESTORED. The restoration took over two years and was complete by 1992. During the time Tony showed the car, he took First in Class, Best of Show or Peoples' Choice in every show that he attended. In some cases he won multiple trophies.

Tony always trailered Madeira to shows. When I bought her she had almost 1,900 miles on her. I told Tony that I would drive her and if he didn't want that to happen, "don't sell her to me."

She is a beautiful car and deserves to be seen and driven for pleasure and in parades. I have done both things and would not have it any other way.

Since the restoration is approaching 10 years, she will soon receive a brand new paint job. The current paint is lacquer and is pretty rough in some areas even though she still photographs quite well, as you can see from the photos.

In the last year Madeira has competed at a 1997 AACA regional meet (2nd Place, Open Class) against all Chevys 1960-1969, and at Super Chevy 1998 (2nd Place, Open Class).

Madeira is an unusual Monza because of her options. Most Monza Convertibles came with 110s or 110 Powerglides. Madeira is a 140 4-speed with a manual top, rear factory radio antenna, and factory tissue dispenser. She has her original spare with lock, under-hood and trunk lights, bumper guards and the mag wheel cover option.

Chuck Armer - September, 1998

So, that's the scoop, folks.

Chuck, are you sure you really need a new paint job? I guess Concours competitions are tough! Good luck to you, and thanks for the great story!

Update: Corvair Speedweek at Daytona 2000

Competing in Late Closed Modified at the Corvair Society of America (CORSA) national convention Concours event, Darth Vair scored 96.29 points after a .50 point trailer deduction, and was awarded gold and elevated to Senior Division!