Despite their popularity among Corvair faithful, many of the cars we see for sale are solidly in project-grade status and rarely anything resembling an investment. That’s why it’s hard to ignore this 1963 model that is a claimed low-mileage survivor, with just 25,726 on the odometer. Said to belong to a long-term Corvair enthusiast, the $7,500 Buy-It-Now here on eBay seems more than reasonable for such a turnkey example.
I’ve warmed up to the Corvair ever since one showed up at a local autocross course, and I was immediately smitten with the decent handling and great sounds emanating from the rear. This example is no track rat, with near perfect paint, chrome, glass, and just a small leak from the valve covers being the only mechanical ills at the moment.
The interior shows no visible signs of wear. I’m assuming the bench seating surfaces are original given the low mileage. The door jambs reveal matching paint, and the dash shows no flaws. The automatic wouldn’t be my first choice, but given this isn’t the higher-performance model, it’s no big loss (other than being slightly less fun to drive.)
The backseat similarly shows no signs of abuse. My question is, when will Corvair values tick upwards? For such a pristine example, it’s amazing to see the price below $10K for likely one of the best cars out there. The driving experience is supposedly quite enjoyable and the notoriety will never get old. If you find a better one for less, buy it!
Would BTMERLF read “Bite Me Ralph” to most folks on a vanity plate? Cause…
There was a write up here on Barnfinds on Ralph’s ‘vair a while ago. That’s the car that needs the plate. I wonder how many folks realize how much he loved and drove his Corvair.
I wonder if people Knew how big a d-bag Nader is
It is my understanding that Ralph Nader has never had a driver’s license or driven any car ever, let alone a Corvair.
If you badly want a 1st gen ‘Vair, this is probably the one.Also, if the valve cover wasn’t leaking, it wouldn’t really be a Corvair.
My 64 Monza does NOT leak. It has 38,000 miles, but has been resealed after it was recovered from a barn. It’s a 110 powerglide, unfortunately, as I prefer a 4spd . Runs good, but it’s eaten 2 generators. It’s alternator time.
Sold–but anyway– I am not sure but looks like horn ring is cut off so only center hub is left?? Also looks like chrome trim at top front inside driver side door is missing and screws for trim painted over. For comparison:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1963-Chevrolet-Corvair-Base-/183445430108?oid=132787693597
This is a 500 base model which did not have all the chrome trim or horn ring. Bench seat is the other big give away. The model to you posted is a Monza.
Thanks for the clarification…
I am No Corvair fan but regardless its sn original and stock classic !
This is the best example of the breed I’ve seen in a long time.
My mother had a ’63 four door with the automatic. When visiting we’d use it for the grocery run. Automatic didn’t give much away in terms of power and it was fun to drive. The ’65 we bought had the 4 speed with the soup stirring shift linkage. Not sure even now which I liked better.
Back when Corvairs like these were just “used cars” with a potentially “bad reputation” I would see low mileage examples pop up all over for hundreds of dollars. Typically, the low-end poverty models like this 500 series driven infrequently by the little ol’ man or woman. Higher mileage, but adored Monza convertibles, 4 carb and turbos were commanding more money. But by today’s standards the premium seems like chump change. Sometime in the 80s I test drove a 63 Spyder coupe with truck gearing in the transaxle which would actually light up the tires. Seller wanted $4800 for it.
My 69 Monza 140 will break the tires loos with a tall 3.27:1 posi diff and autocross tires! I prefer not to though. Old parts like to break.
Our family was thick with the things. An uncle had several starting with one of the early ’60 coupes, and a ’62 Monza ‘vert, my grandfather bought a Marina Blue ’66 Monza 4-speed coupe as his 65th birthday present to himself, and I had three of the gen 1s- one as my first car, two after I went into the Air Force. I moved on to an Olds 4-4-2. No contest.
The early model cars are still really easy to find. GM made so many of the darn things. Finding the “right” late model Vair to suit you is still a little tougher and slightly more expensive.
Was my first car a 64 in 68 loved it gave me 4 great years through high school an 2 years of out of state collage travel never a bit of trouble . Mine was a 4 door with automatic . I had 125,000 on it when sold paid 450.00 sold it for 200.00 got my money worth out of the old girl.
The early Vairs weren’t as bad as Nader said they were. The handling issues they had from 60 – 63 were improved in 64 by the addition of the cross leaf to the rear suspension and yes the leaf can be added to the early models. The other thing to do is add the axle locks to keep the solid rear axles from pulling out in case of a rear axle bearing failure ( 60 – 64 models only. Just these couple of changes on the 60 – 63 models makes for a safer and much better handling car. There are a few other add on,s you can also do just ask the people at Clark’s Corvair parts ( Nice people ) .
Gregory is correct–you saw many more rolled over VW bugs in the junk yards than you saw Corvairs in the 60’s. VW had the swing axle setup that would tuck under on a hard corner, the bug also had a higher center of gravity. Both GM and VW corrected the problem. Did my senior essay on auto safety. I was a lousy student, and still scored an 85!!! Go figure..
My 1st car was a 1963 Monza automatic. Loved that car. Got married and got a 1965 Monza for my wife. Replaced the 63 with a 66 Monza. Belonged to the Milwaukee Corvair Club for several years. Really enjoyed those cars. The Vega was a poor replacement.
Had a 1964 Red Monza convertible in high school, I remember the Fan Belt falling off, what a design. But fun car.
Agreed! The fan belt is the real Achilles heel of the Corvair.