Following in the forward thinking footsteps of the Chevrolet Vega was the Monza. While the Monza was still in the future it was slated for Chevrolet Rotary engine power, but the program was scuppered and the production Monza never saw the engine of tomorrow. This particular Monza 2+2 still had its 350 cubic inch V-8 stuffed into the engine bay. Even with 5.7 liters of displacement, the mighty small block Chevrolet only managed to kick out a wheezy 125 horsepower stock. More power would have certainly been simple enough, but this Monza has unfortunately breathed its last. Drive reports from the field had the Chevrolet Monza in stock V8 trim as a nose-heavy ill-handling end swapping beast, especially in wet conditions. Road racing was a different story. Race-prepared DeKon Engineering Monzas cleaned up against challengers from around the world on IMSA road racing circuits. One can’t help to think that the production Chevrolet Monza could have been a real contender if not for a confluence of unforeseen events. Editor’s note: this post was originally published on Junkyard Chronicle back in 2006. The car and/or parts in these images is probably long gone.
