Chevrolet Corvair Monza VHRS

Chevrolet Corvair Monza Coupé (1965) – VHRS-prepared, formerly owned by Erwin Derichs

A genuine historic racing machine with an exceptional pedigree!

Calling all fans of historic motorsport and pure driving dynamics. We are offering this rare Chevrolet Corvair Monza Coupé from December 1965 (model year 1966), bearing the chassis number SS669002.

A far cry from the American standards of its era, this rear-engined, air-cooled Corvair offers a layout and driving experience akin to a Porsche 911 race car, all optimised by some of the biggest names in motorsport.

A word from the consultant

“This Chevrolet Corvair is a particularly impressive car. Presented in perfect working order, the start-up and the sound of its Flat-6 Turbo engine are an absolute delight for any motoring enthusiast. It is an exclusive car, capable of turning heads at gatherings, whilst proving formidable and immediately ready to compete in historic rallies, track days or regularity trials. A rare opportunity to acquire an authentic driver’s car.”

Vehicle details

Make: Chevrolet
Model: Corvair Monza Coupé (Type R109)
Year: 1965 (Model year 1966)
Odometer reading: 56,000 km
Fuel: Petrol
Gearbox: 4-speed manual
Exterior colour: White, finished in the official colours of the Derichs Rennwagen team
Registration: French classic car registration certificate (ER-008-WL)

History and maintenance

The history of this particular car is quite simply remarkable.
Sold new in Switzerland in 1965, it was acquired in 2001 by Erwin Derichs, the famous German Formula 3 driver and single-seater constructor.
He spent several years customising it for his own use, racing it on circuits from 2004 to 2009.

In 2017, the car was purchased from Erwin Derichs’s daughter by Bernard Sarazin, a trained mechanic, who undertook a complete overhaul and enhanced the mechanical reliability of the car just before it was sold in 2023. The current owner acquired the vehicle in 2023 with a view to competing in historic rallies.

The car is a regular fixture in service parks and has distinguished itself in the results lists of several renowned events:

Bordeaux Aquitaine Classique Rally
VHRS Médoc Rally
Rallye de la Fougère
Rallye Régional du Printemps de Bords

Recent work

The engine and turbocharger were completely rebuilt by the previous owner (Bernard Sarazin).
The moving parts have been carefully balanced and reinforced with forged pistons, a racing camshaft, a high-flow oil pump and a new clutch with a lightweight flywheel.
The limited-slip differential has also been overhauled, with the differential gears replaced.
A complete file of invoices accompanies the car to attest to the thoroughness of its maintenance.

Technical specifications

Engine: 2.4L air-cooled Flat-6 (six-cylinder flat engine)
Supercharging: Reconditioned and balanced turbocharger; Weber carburettor mounted on a bespoke base
Exhaust system: Custom-optimised
Power: 237 ch on the dynamometer prior to refurbishment (higher today) with 364 Nm of torque
Weight: Less than 1,100 kg on the scales thanks to targeted weight reduction
Chassis: Body stripped down, fully welded, stiffened and reinforced for competition
Suspension: Revised suspension set-up with bespoke aluminium steering knuckle brackets, short springs and adjustable Koni dampers
Braking: High-performance system with large AP Racing ventilated discs, a brake force distributor adjustable from the cockpit and aviation-grade brake hoses
Tyres: High-performance Avon tyres (215/55 R13 at the front and 245/50 R13 at the rear)

Equipment and appearance

Exterior and bodywork:
Authentic Compomotive magnesium racing wheels
Side windows and rear window replaced with ultra-lightweight Makrolon for weight savings
Optimised rear engine cooling vents

Interior and cockpit:
Three-spoke sports steering wheel in suede
Racing dashboard in cork-finished aluminium incorporating a full suite of instruments (central rev counter, turbo pressure gauges, oil pressure and temperature gauges)
OMP bucket seats offering perfect support
Full roll cage and safety harness


Following its initial track preparation by Derichs, it underwent ‘road-going’ modifications to make it fully road-legal: installation of a heating system, windscreen washer, a working fuel gauge, door locks and fitted carpet.

Additional equipment included in the sale:

A removable set of additional LED headlights (to be fitted at the front)
A set of 4 spare wheels
A selection of miscellaneous spare parts

Documentation

French classic car registration document
National Technical Passport (PTH)
FIA pass for regularity rallies
Roadworthiness test report (passed, valid until January 2028)
Complete file of maintenance and parts invoices
Feature article on this car in the March/April 2023 issue of ‘NITRO’ magazine

Reported faults

The current roadworthiness certificate lists only one minor fault: excessive front-end slip, which is quite common on a front-end set-up designed for competition.
A new roadworthiness test will be carried out to ensure the transaction is secure

Location and conditions
The vehicle can be viewed by appointment only in Gémenos (13).

Transport available throughout France and Europe (subject to quotation).
Payment by bank transfer only.