When the 1960 Corvair debuted on October 2, 1959, the line consisted of two series of coupes and 4-door sedans; the base model Corvair 500 and the more deluxe Corvair 700. Corvair 500 and 700 sales in the U.S. exceeded 238,000 units during the model year, while this example, the Monza 900 club coupe, sold only 11,926. This was not because the Monza coupe wasn't popular. In fact, it was an instant success. The production figures are a little misleading because the Monza coupe was not introduced until May, 1960, the 8th month of production.

The following year, 109,945 U.S. built Monza club coupes were sold, a number that better than doubled sales of the previously top selling 700 series sedan. The little car that had started life as an economy car had become a "sporty" car.

The 1960 Corvair was the only one to wear a Chevrolet emblem on its engine lid. In all other years of production, a Corvair name plate took its rightful place on the deck lid.

The 1960 engine lid differed from all model years. Its interior was not recessed for the spare tire. This change came the following year, when the spare was relocated from the trunk to the engine compartment, presumably to increase storage space in the trunk. The original design provided better weight distribution.

Fit and finish on the '60 model was considered superior to the later early models. Body welds, such as the transition from front fascia to front fender, were filled. In later production years, this practice was eliminated.

There were also other unique interior touches. The fold-down rear seat area included a recessed cargo area behind the rear seat back. The rear surface of the seat back was finished in vinyl instead of the cardboard used in later model years. The assumption is that cost cuts brought the changes.