Mirage
MONZA MIRAGE
H-BODY PAGE
The Monza Mirage was a short-lived special edition, lasting just the 1977 model year. The IMSA Monzas of the Camel GT Challenge series were tearing up the tracks in '75 and '76 against the likes of usually dominant BMWs and Porsches. Chevrolet decided to draw on that fame and make a street version of one of the Camel GT Monzas. It turns out that Allan Moffat's #3 car was the one Chevy decided to replicate.
The kit included front and rear fender flares (not nearly as wide as its IMSA counterpart, of course), front air dam and rear spoiler, all made of the same uerethane as the Monza Sport's front end. Ad red and blue racing striping and black Monza Mirage Script decals and you have a visually stunning package.
For 1977 only a white (11L & 11U) Monza 2+2 Sport Hatchback could be ordered. It was suggested that a Firethorn red interior was optioned (but any colour interior was available), as well as the 5.0L 305 V8 (LG3), Sport Mirrors (D35), Sport Suspension (F41), Sport Steering Wheel (N31), Special Instrumentation (U14) and BR70-13/C Raised White Lettered Radial Tires (QKZ).
The cars were ordered then drop-shipped to Michigan Automotive Technologies (M.A.T.) to have the Mirage items installed. Everything was mounted on the car except the front air dam. This was to be installed by the dealership upon arrival. It was thought that the extremely low front end due to the front air dam would be damaged during transport.
M.A.T. placed a plaque on every Monza it converted. This plaque was mounted on the dashpad and was numbered. It simply stated that the car in question was "specially prepared by Michigan Automotive Techniques Corporation". A serial number was stamped on when assembly was finished.
Unfortunately the Mirage, originally scheduled to see the 1978 model year with other colour options, was discontinued after a run of 4,057 Mirages. Reasons for the cancellation were numerous, from lower-than-expected production run for 1977 to decal stability issues to the royalties due for the name 'Mirage'.
Below are examples of two Monza Mirage brochures distributed by Chevrolet dealerships for Michigan Automotive Techniques.
(Click on pics below for full-sized viewing)
Page #1 Page #2 Front Cover Page #1 Page #2 Back Cover
