The 1975 Chevrolet Monza 2+2 hatchback topped the Monza line in price and style.

The 1975 Chevrolet Monza, Chevy's more stylish successor to the Chevrolet Vega, was originally to have a rotary engine. The rotary engine was to be built under license from the German Wankel Company. But that program fizzled due to concerns about fuel economy and emissions. Thus, the 1975 Chevrolet Monza was launched carrying conventional piston engines instead.

The 1975 Chevrolet Monza debuted as a slope-roof hatchback in S and 2+2 trim. Chevrolet described the Monza in the sales brochure as "our new small car." The 1975 Monzas wore rectangular headlights and a slot-style grille in a slanted nose made of resilient urethane.

Not only were they intended to be fun to drive, Monzas were designed for easy loading and economical operation. It added up to a winning formula, at least to Motor Trend, which named the Monza 2+2 its Car of the Year for 1975.

The Chevrolet Monza's base engine was a 140-cubic inch (2.3-liter) four-cylinder borrowed from the Vega and yielding 78 or -- in the 2+2 coupe -- 87 horsepower. Not strong enough? No problem, as Monzas could have a new 110-horsepower 262-cubic inche (4.3-liter) V-8 instead, or even a 125-horsepower 350-cubic inche V-8.

Monzas had radial tires and standard four-speed manual shift. Louvers that graced the B-pillars weren't merely decorative, but assisted in ventilating the interior via a low-speed blower.

Midyear brought a notchback Towne Coupe, which featured single round headlights instead of the 2+2's trend-setting rectangular quad units.

1975 Chevrolet Monza Facts

Model	Weight range (lbs.)	Price range (new)	Number built
Monza	2,675-2,753	$3,570-$3,953	136,203

The 1975 Chevrolet Monza 2+2 ran with a 125-horsepower 350-cubic-inch V-8.

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