Hi, my name is Jonny and this is my 1975 Chevy Monza. Unlike many who have the support of their families to build a hot rod, I ran away with the military on my 18th birthday. I’m currently 24 and just finished a 6 year enlistment in the Air Force. I was a Crew Chief on the F-15 Eagle, and that is where I developed my work ethic. I finished this car in 1 year – (they’re never completely done!). 

You don’t see many Monza’s out there anymore, and most people have forgotten what they are, and how significant they were to the racing world – from IMSA AAGT all the way to Bill “Grumpy” Jenkins! I believe this is due to they’re general stock appearance, which is what most people see – when they catch a Monza on the street. Little nobby 4 lug 13 inch wheels with a fading paint job – not a Ferrari 365 inspired racing machine! 

Of course, you gotta build them right to make them practical – you cant just drop a small block in them and go – Most of the suspension and drive train on my Monza is from a GMC Truck! Fabrication and Careful Measuring and nobody knows the difference – except now I’ve got all that more strength.

But when its all said and done, I have something that I can take out on the street, car shows, and cruises – and not see another one just like me there. Not only that, but the general trend curve of hot rods these days has changed so much – nobody builds them like this anymore – remember the California rake, fender flares, louvers, side pipes, etc? Those were the days! And I wasn’t even alive then! 

But hey, we all love our hot rods, and that’s all that matters. Thanks for checkin out my Hot Rod! See ya on the street!!!

– Jonny Monza