1978 Chevrolet Monza

3.8 V6 engine. Haven't seen a Monza wagon in ages, and this one looks great.

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/cto/3304976293.html

 

When GM killed off the Vega in 1977 this replaced it. The Monza was weak as far as cars went and like the Vega, GM ditched the Monza ... in 1980

 

It may SAY "Monza", but from the A pillar back, it is a "Vega". Only difference is the front clip. Nice looking car, though, in nice condition. Probably not a bad deal if you never let it see a single grain of salt.

 

Good thing it has the Buick 6 and not the horrid Vega Alcoa 4cyl. That said this was before GM had a balance shaft in the V6, so it was pretty rough...but not like the Vega 4, which would try to detach itself from it's motor mounts and escape the car... ...that is if it could manage to run long enough before all the oil went out the tailpipe!

This car is crying for a V8-swap, square-headlight Monza coupe front bumper, and Spider graphics.

-Mike

 

Ok, with all comments and criticisms acknowledged as relevant and valid, this is still an impressive, solid and original example of a 1978 Chevy model that essentially was considered disposable transportation even when it was new 34 years ago. Such a survivor, especially a very presentable one, deserves respect for those facts alone.

(I definitely can say that I personally do not look the same as I did in 1978. This Monza apparently does look the same as it did in 1978.)

 

Rust issues aside (and they were present but greatly reduced compared to the early 71-73 Vega's) These are not bad cars, 78 and later Monza 4 cylinders were 2.5 Iron Dukes, not the 2.3 Vega motor. So even with a 4 Cylinder any Monza Wagons engine isn't bad, a V-6 is better, and the good thing is this is a 76 or later have the Torque arm rear suspension, all in all they are nice handling little cars.
I know I am biased. But I really lose patence with people that have never driven one, and just spout the same old stories. Sure they rusted out alittle worse than average for a 70's car. And all 70's cars rusted badly in my opinion. Just try and find a nice rust free mid 70's Toyota or Honda!!!!

 

This is one that I would like to do a number on. I built a 77 Fastback Spyder coupe years ago and I loved it. It would set you back in the seat crushing your rib cage and keep you there until I had to let off at around 120 MPH. Any faster and the car wanted to float. These Monza's are fun to build up. My buddy the ace mechanic still has his Monza build up.

 

It would be great to put the Buick Grand National drive train into this one. That would be a giant killer!