It’s not too common on Barn Finds that we get to follow up on a car after twelve years, but this is one of those times: This 1969 Corvair was first featured in 2013 when it was apparently being sold by the estate of the original owner’s son. It’s been fixed up for the road over the course of the last decade, and it is now being sold on Hemmings.com with a couple thousand more miles on the odometer and a price tag of $18,900 (with a “Make Offer” option). While that’s a fair amount of money for a fairly run-of-the-mill Corvair, this one does have the selling points of being an ostensibly low-mileage original from the final year of production. Barn Finds reader Curvette found it and sent it our way, and it’s located in Abington, Massachusetts.
The final 6,000 Corvairs, which constituted the whole of production in 1969, were built on a dedicated assembly line at Willow Run. Corvair buyers got a coupon for $150 toward any new Chevy up through the 1973 model year, and the coupon the original owner received when he bought this Corvair (number 4543) from Mancuso Chevrolet in Skokie, Illinois, will come with the car; it was never used. Nor, it seems, was the car itself. The drivetrain is a far cry from the turbocharged Monza Spyders and Corsas of a few years before; it’s the standard 95-horsepower 164 matched to a Powerglide, which is a good combination for basic transportation.
The 500 was the base-level trim on the Corvair, and this one retains its original bench seat and rubber mat for the floor. Late Corvairs had a thicker dash pad than earlier second-generation models, in addition to revised headlight and wiper knobs. This one also has an AM radio, whitewall tires, and an accessory clock that must have been a dealer add-on; it is not listed on the window sticker.
While the Garnet Red paint on this ’69 has taken a few hits, as you can see in the plethora of pictures included in the ad, this is a nice example of an interesting if not particularly rare Corvair. There’s nothing mechanically special about a ’69 Corvair compared to its predecessors, but its status as the last of the run makes it special to some Corvair enthusiasts. This one has new pushrod tube o-rings, so it should be relatively leak-free, and it’s had a recent tune up and newer tires installed. Is this one worth the asking price due to its original condition and low mileage? Who knows, but it might be worth making an offer if you’re interested in this clean original Corvair.
I would love to have this even though I’ve never driven a Corvair. Great color and low spec with the rubber floor mats. I never see them at shows.
I am a fan of the Corvair but I rather have a 4 spd. They were fun cars and were not dangerous as the media pretended.
Cars with rubber mats instead of carpet didn’t last because the floors rusted out underneath. Back in the mid 80’s folks were saying that the plain jane cars wouldn’t be around b/c of that and that they just weren’t being saved. .
There’s really nothing run of the mill about any Corvair today LOL! But yeah, I think the price is a bit dear. If I had 18 grand burning a hole in my pocket and room for another car, this wouldn’t be my first choice. But you certainly would get a lot of attention at any cars and coffee.
I’d love to have it. It would look nice next to my three 1969 Monzas. It previously sold on eBay on March 30, 2013 for $7600.
And when it runs out of power, and then, stops, and then, after a while, runs again, get the gas tank cleaned out of the rust that clogs the fuel pump, and you will go again. Another example of GM finally getting it right and then quitting. These are great cars to drive, even by today’s standards.
I’ve owned and restored Corvairs for 39 years now.
The price is a mite high, esp. with the Smog Motor. Smog heads and other bits are in very short to Unobtainium Supply.
IMO he’ll take 14.5 in a heartbeat. Plain Jane 69 with only its low mileage as its only selling point is not going to bring 18K to anyone who knows the cars.
“Low Mileage means every bit of the rubber on a 54 year old car is going to need replacement. Engine and front and rear suspensions plus body stripping. Looking at 6K in parts/repairs NOW if haven’t been done already.
Should affect the price.
Wow, the drivers door sure took a beating over the years. I don’t see 18.9K even with the super low mileage. Because it’s going to need a trip to the body shop for the dents and scratches and who knows what that would cost. At 18.9K and a trip to the body shop you are going to be into this Corvair well over 20K. I like Corvairs but that a bit much. Interesting car though. Good luck with selling it.
My Dad had 2 of them, a 60 & a 68. I learned how to drive, sitting on my Dad’s lap…lol I know if you put a good set of Snow tires on them, they would get the job done. Additionally, my older brother had a Spyder, which was a really fun car to drive. I didn’t get to drive it…lol
Nice car, wrong transmission, wrong price.
I will take a, Corsa 4 speed thank you.
Loved my ’65 Monza 4 speed, especially with the turbo exhaust.
The Corvair 500s are so spartan with their lack of trim, cheap interiors, dog dish hubcaps, no chrome or aluminum exterior moldings. They just scream “Poverty!” to me. This one is quite over-priced in my opinion.
neat piece with a good back story. i saw it on Hemmings. i agree with the rest of the comments that price is a bit steep. it may bring that at a mecum action maybe. the low miles are the lore. put miles on it and that’s gone
I have a 65 Monza convt 110/ PG. At cars n coffee everyone has a look and most folks have a personal story of one in their lives. I’ve owned it 7 years, and have $6000 in it. Would love to see someone who wants one drive it home for what I have in it. Not into profit at this point in my life. I just love cars, always have.
I had a near twin, same red, black interior, low miles, PG, but 110 engine. Was a daily driver until they phased out leaded premium, it just refused to run on the low octane fuel. This was a Colorado car. Wish I knew where it finally went.
Price lowered to$16,900.
You have to use 93 and use treatment to remove the alcohol. Which reaps havoc on the carbs.
Also helps to take a can to your local airport and buy 5 gallons of 110 octane low lead AvGas. Cures a LOT of ills, couple times a year is enough.
I recommend pure gas with no ethanol at all. In 30 days, the fuel breaks down and phase separates. Ethanol from gas. That creates formic acid. this eats away at fuel system components. Also the ethanol is hydroscopic, so it draws water into the system.
Out seat here we have Maverick Fuel stations that offer “ethanol free ” unleaded fuel. In some of my vehicles it makes a huge difference.
Out west here we have Maverick Fuel stations that offer “ethanol free ” unleaded fuel. In some of my vehicles it makes a huge difference.