Chevrolet Monza Mirage
The Monza debuted in 1975 as the newest GM compact model with a modern design, sound equipment, and a wide arrange of versions and trim levels. It succeeded the Chevrolet Vega and sold well on the US market and abroad. However, the lack of performance version was evident since the compact and relatively light platform would benefit from a powerful engine. Chevrolet didn’t think the performance model or a muscle car version would have a big market, so it didn’t bother developing it (via Truth About Cars).

However, Chevy contracted an outside company, Michigan Auto Techniques, to make the Monza a GM muscle car in 1977. Called the Monza Mirage, this one-year model was made in 4000 examples and featured a 305 V8 with only 145 HP. The design was quite striking with a white body, front and rear spoilers, and special wheels. The paint scheme was patriotic, with red, white, and blue stripes all over the body. Chevrolet realized there was still a market for sporty variants and decided to introduce the Monza Spyder in 1978. Michigan Auto Techniques was without a contract for 1978, sending the Monza Mirage into the history books.