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Monza - Sunbird - Starfire - Skyhawk
The Chevrolet Monza 2+2, Oldsmobile Starfire,
and Buick Skyhawk were introduced in the fall of 1974 as 1975 models. The Pontiac Sunbird Sport Hatch was later introduced in 1977 ½ . These
cars shared the same 2+2 hatchback body (style code 07), built on GM's H-Special platform. Therefore the hatchbacks are sometimes referred to by the H07
code which appears in some factory publications.
The exterior design of the 2+2s was accomplished by GM Design under the direction of Irv Rybicki, incorporating features from several GM and Pininfarina concept cars. The hatchbacks pioneered a design trend that continues on many sport coupes today. The 1975 Monza 2+2 was awarded Motor Trend Magazine's Car of the Year award.
Mechanically, the hatchbacks shared the H-Special platform with a notchback body (style code 27), the Monza Towne Coupe and Sunbird
Coupe. The Monza Towne Coupe was introduced in 1975 ½ , and the Sunbird Coupe in 1976. External appearance wise, the two body styles shared a family
resemblance, including a rakish windshield set back 60 degrees, front fenders, and one of three different hood designs that were basically interchangeable. The
two body styles had different exterior sheet metal from the cowl back.
The Monza, Starfire, Skyhawk, and Sunbird have a front engine / rear wheel drive configuration; and like the standard "H" body platform built from 1971-1979, they have unit-body construction and ride on a 97" wheelbase. The independent front suspension is common with the H body in basic design. The H-Specials also had a "torque arm rear suspension", which is still used on the "F" body Camaros and Firebirds today.
The H-Specials were available from the factory with L4, V6, and V8 engines having various displacements up to 350 ci (5.7L). Most Monzas came with either L4's or V8's, Sunbirds with L4's, and Starfires with V6's. Skyhawks were available only with V6's. V8 equipped hatchbacks were capable of speeds up to 119 mph. The V8 fell victim to the 2nd energy crisis and production ended after the 1979 model year. The hatchbacks were originally designed to showcase GM's 206 cid 2 rotor Wankel engine, which as it turned out was never produced.
The Monza, Starfire, Skyhawk, and Sunbird were also available with various options, option packages, and dealer installed equipment. For example, there were Monza Spyders and Mirages, Starfire GTs and Firenzas, Skyhawk Roadhawks and Nighthawks, and Sunbird Formulas. Other options included the Astroroof and leather interior.
Production of the H-Specials continued until the 1980 model year. Starfire and Skyhawk production ended in December 1979 in order to increase production of the Monza and Sunbird. Monza and Sunbird production ended in November 1980.
Monzas, Starfires, Skyhawks, and Sunbirds made there way into various motorsports, including road racing, drag racing, and land speed
records. DeKon Monzas competed successfully in IMSA's Camel GT, resulting in 2 Championships for Al Holbert and Chevrolet. DeKon Monzas also ran several times at Le Mans, driven by Michael Keyser in 1976. H-Specials were also successful in NHRA Pro Stock competition by Warren Johnson, Bill (Grumpy) Jenkins, and many others. The cars also competed in numerous other drag racing, SCCA, land speed
record, and other events.
The H-Special Registry was founded for enthusiast-owners of 1975-1980 Chevrolet Monza, Oldsmobile Starfire, Buick Skyhawk, and Pontiac Sunbird hatchbacks and notchbacks. One of the registry's main functions has been to maintain a directory of owners and their cars, including factory originals, street machines, and race cars. The directory is sent (via postal mail) to the participating owners worldwide.
In addition, the H-Special Report newsletter features news and information for owners and enthusiasts.
For more information about the registry and newsletter, please write to:
Cliff's 1980
Monza Spyder 
Dave's 1978 Sunbird 
Doug's 1980 Monza 
Jeff's 1978 Starfire Firenza 
Karl's 1977 Monza Mirage 
Marco's 1978 Monza Spyder 
Mike's 1979 Starfire GT 
Per's 1975 Monza V8
http:/home.earthlink.net/~h07/reg/main.htm On the World Wide Web since June 1996.