The Corvair was produced by Chevrolet from 1960 to 1969. Designed as an economy car, it was a sharp departure from the gas guzzling giants of the era. The car features a rear engine and transaxle. The air cooled opposed six engine and transaxle is mounted in the rear for better traction. The Corvair is considered a milestone car as it would represent several production firsts for Chevy including their first and only air cooled rear engine, first aluminum engine , first unitized body, first production car turbo, and first fully independent suspension.
The Corvairs were first introduced in 1959 as a “Compact Car” to meet the growing number of import cars. From the beginning, the Corvair was very unique and drew lots of attention. For 1959 it was very different from just about everything else produced in the USA.
The 1960 Corvairs were mainly 4-door family cars with mostly automatic transmissions and a 90hp engine. Then in mid year the sporty Monza Coupe was introduced with full vinyl interior, bucket seats, 4 speed transmission on the floor, and full wheel covers. This sporty model was to really drive up Corvair sales and attract the interest of enthusiasts in the coming years. It was to become the “Poor Man’s Sports Car” or the “Poor Man’s Porsche”.
In 1961Chevrolet introduced several new models. They were the “Lakewood” 4-door station wagon, the “Greenbriar” window van, the “Corvan” commercial panel van (Corvair 95),“Rampside” pickup that had a side panel (ramp) that hinged down to theroad. All were available with slightly more power.
In 1962 the 102hp engine was introduced along with the convertible model. Then in mid year the Spyder option was introduced. It gave you a 145 cid 150hp turbocharged engine, a new instrument panel featuring a tachometer, head temperature gauge, and a boost gauge. There were also emblems to show what you were. The turbo option included larger connecting rods, larger oil cooler, exhaust driven turbo and carb (horsepower increased from a max of 102hp to 150hp), chrome engine accents, “Spyder” wheel cover inserts, the special dash and a 2 ½” chrome tail pipe. There was also a heavy duty suspension, metallic brakes, and positraction. This was the “Monza Spyder” option which was only availableon Monza coupes and convertibles with a 4 speed transmission. The Corvair now had power to go with its sporty classic looks. It was no longer advertised as an economy car. It was now a ‘Sports Car’.
In 1963 the station wagon and Loadside models were dropped. There were minor changes in the trim and interior but it was mostly identical to the 1962.
In 1964 theenginewas stroked togive 164 cid and 110hp and the larger connecting rods were madestandard. TheMonza Spyder was made an actual model instead of an option. The car’srearsuspension was redesigned from the previous coil spring and swing axleto across leaf / coil spring and swing axle configuration.
The 1965 Corvairwasfullyredesigned. It was the first year of the“Late body style” which was more modern. Eventoday it does not seem as dated as many cars from themid ‘60’s. TheCorsa replaced the Spyder and a pure trailing arm rear suspension wasintroduced which was more like the Corvertte and produced a majorimprovementin handling. The turbocharger was replaced with a larger one and theengine wasnow rated at 180hp. It could only beordered on the Corsa. Another engine was introduced that produced 140hpwith 4carbs and heads with larger intake valvesand special stellite exhaust valves. Thecoupe was produced with no pillar post and when the windows were downit was atrue hardtop. All truck models weredropped except the Greenbriar.
In 1966 the Corvair had a new Saginaw 4 speed transmission. An new all-synchronized 3 speed gearbox was standard equipment. There was a new spoiler under the nose this year. An optional “Sport Handling” package was available with stronger springs, heavy duty shock absorbers, and a steering gear ratio of 16:1. The Greenbriar was dropped.
In 1967 GM discontinued the Corsa. It was the first year of the skinny seats and the last year for the 4 door. It had a new dual master brake cylinder system and an energy absorbing steering column. The 140hp engine became an option.
In 1968 the140hp engine was reinstated as a regular production option. The 4 door sedan was eliminated. More smog control and a few minor interior changes were made.
In 1969 front seat shoulder beltswere standard on all models except convertibles on which they were an option. Available to the very end was the sport suspension, including the heavy duty springs and shock absorbers along with the special 16:1 quick ratio steering option. Alsothere was the telescoping steering wheel, rear window defroster and headrests on the front seats became standard. The power trains and axle ratios were unchanged from the 1968’s.
In many ways the Corvair was ahead of its time. The size and general features of the car are common in today’s cars. The Greenbriar window van is very much like today’s mini vans. The late body style still fits in with today’s cars and is often mistaken for a much newer car.
Corvairs are driven by many people who collect and drive them every day. They buy them for the same reasons that people bought them originally, as they are unusual in design, inexpensive to drive, and are just plain old fun to drive. A better handling car than the lates is very hard to find. The Corvair handled so well they were raced very successfully then and even now. Pickups and vans are still being used as utility vehicles and the UltraVan Motor Home (Corvair powered) is still in use today. One of the unique things about a Corvair owner is that they more than likely own more than one Corvair.
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