Under the direction of Bill Mitchell, the 1962 Chevrolet Corvair Monza GT concept coupe was designed by Larry Shinoda and Tony Lapine and made its debut at the 1962 New York Auto Show.

For servicing the entire rear section of the fiberglass body hinged upward to allow access to the air-cooled, six cylinder-opposed powerplant. Twin carburetors drew fuel from a 12-gallon tank in the nose of the Monza GT. Engine cooling air flowed through intakes at the rear side panels. Twin exhaust outlets were behind each rear wheel opening. The rear-mounted transmission was a four-speed manual. The GT was equipped with four-wheel disc brakes and magnesium wheels.

The wraparound canopy opened forward on hinges for full access to the passenger compartment. The canopy including the roof portion covered passengers with panoramic windshield and both side doors. On the back deck was a panel of adjustable louvers controlled from the cockpit for rearward vision and ventilation. The passenger compartment featured reclined contoured seating. Foot pedals were adjustable fore and aft, with the seats stationary. The dash panel had reflection-free crackle finish, and all gauges to the right of the driver were angled toward him for maximum legibility.

The shortened platform had a 92-inch wheelbase, 16-inches shorter than the production Corvair. The overall dimensions were similarly reduced with a length of 165-inches, and a height of only 42-inches. The smooth aerodynamic lines of the Corvair Monza GT were the result of a program of wind tunnel testing conducted by General Motors Design.

source: history.gmheritagecenter.com

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