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38k Miles! 1962 Corvair Convertible

Corvair Convertible

Some cars just have an “honest” look about them. I think this is one of those cars; once you look it over I’d like to hear your thoughts, and if you agree that the 38,000 mile claim is legitimate. The Monza is located in Mason City, Iowa and is being sold here on eBay. There’s a buy-it-now price of $5,995 but the seller is also interested in a best offer. As a confirmed Corvair fan, I like this little convertible. No, it’s not cosmetically or mechanically perfect, and after many years of storage I’m sure there will be lots of little things to do. The seller does say it runs well, and one of the problems (a muffler is needed) can be taken care of with the new part included. I wish there was a manual rather than an automatic, but you may feel the opposite. Don’t cheat and look it up–do you think this one’s worth the asking price? What do you think it will sell for?

Comments

  1. Avatar JOHN KELM

    I had a ’62 700 Sedan and a ’63 Spyder Convertible in the early 70’s that did not look as good as this one does all these years later. I wonder what the floorboards look like.

    Like 0
  2. Avatar RayT

    Given that almost every roached-out junker tagged as a “Barn Find” is claimed by the seller to be worth megabucks, I’d say this Corvair is probably a deal at the asking price. Even if it needs much more than claimed to put it in basic roadworthy condition (and I’m almost certain it does), all the basic stuff appears to be present and in decent shape. Since no engine photo is posted, the first thing I’d do is pop the rear lid to see what’s there.

    Having driven Corvairs back in the day (late 1960s), I too would prefer a manual trans. to the P-glide. Two forward speeds just doesn’t cut it!

    As far as actual value? I’m not a fan of price guides. If I’m interested and the price seems acceptable, I’ll go for it. A car is only worth what it’s worth to me. Yes, I’m an idiot.

    Like 0
  3. Avatar Mark E

    It’s an early model, whether that is good or bad, I don’t know. It DOES have an honest look about it though. Oh and yes, Corvair’s infamous dash mounted shifter lever! Last time I saw one of those was on a rampside pickup. I guess $5k would be an okay deal if you’re into Corvairs. Me, I’m wishing it would be a turbo Corsa Spyder! (Almost bought one in high school…yellow with a black top!)

    Just as an added bonus, if someone from Minnesota were to buy it, you could register those original 1962 plates as collector plates. How cool would THAT be?? ^_^

    Like 0
  4. Avatar Bobsmyuncle

    In the Corvair world this is a little pricey.

    Generally speaking these things are terribly under valued and 9/10 grand can get you a nearly flawless car.

    I was pouring over ads steady for the better part of last year before I began to consider going in a different direction. I’d say an equal to this car could be found for 4200 all day and I’d hazard to say lower yet for the many that have been languishing with no interest for months.

    Like 0
  5. Avatar Will

    This is what should come to mind when someone uses the word “Patina”. Not rusted out hulks with a layer of clear coat over the rust. Great looking car.

    Like 1
    • Avatar Ed P

      Good point about “patina”. I agree, rust is rust.

      Like 1
  6. Avatar JW454

    These days, when people say X dollars “or best offer” it no longer means they will take the best offer they get like it used to. I have to agree with others here that 6K is 25 to 30% too high.

    On the other hand, if the seller was offered no more than that amount, I’m betting he wouldn’t take it. His fall back price is probably around 55 hundred.

    Like 0
  7. Avatar phoneman91

    It is getting rare to see a car of this vintage with it’s original single stage paint!

    So tired of seeing vintage stock cars with two stage,clear coated, paint!. And it is good to see the original black factory primer in the chips!

    Corvair convertibles were rare when they were new and still are.

    Nice ,original ,and apparently unmolested ! And relatively reasonable asking price.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Bobsmyuncle

      I’d actually argue that there are a LOT of convertibles for sale.

      Perhaps they were more coveted thus better cared for, whatever the reason not only are there a lot, but the best restored examples seem to very often be convertibles.

      I noted this in my search because while I’m not much of a convertible guy in general, I really think the hard top lines are preferable on the early model.

      Like 0
      • Avatar phoneman91

        Corvair convertibles were less than 10 percent of total Corvair production in 1962:

        http://www.oldride.com/library/1962_chevrolet_corvair.html

        But surprisingly-still more than 18k 1962 Corvair convertibles were made. The high production numbers of US vehicles made in the early 1960s are always surprising.

        The number of convertibles for sale may be dependent on the local area the buyer is located and the amount of snow that area receives. Convertibles are more rare in the midwest and the Rocky mountain areas than in the warm coastal areas of the country-even though the number of convertibles producted are just a fraction of total production of most car lines.

        Like 0
  8. Avatar Dolphin Member

    Unfortunately the seller is another flipper who doesn’t even include floor pan photos or an engine bay photo. If he had done an engine bay shot he might have noticed that the car has a flat-6 engine, not a 4 cylinder as he says in the auction listing.

    What’s shown looks appealing at first sight but I’m with the doubters. Price is high for the condition, and the cost to R&R it properly would be more than it’s worth. I’d rather search for a good car and pay a little more for it, but less overall that the $6K up front price + resto costs for this car.

    Like 0
  9. Avatar Another Bob

    You should only buy a Mint Corvair if you want a deal. Corvair owner/ restorers spend money and tons of time making these cars perfect. They end up making pennies an hour for all that work if they are lucky. Corvair restorers are the most exploited car enthusiasts in America.

    Like 0
  10. Avatar TRACY

    i just would like to say who ever started this page is great 1 of the best sites on facebook! always find very cool cars and such to post about!

    Like 1

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