One of the challenges for enthusiasts is locating a classic within their budget. While some can afford something exotic or desirable commanding a high price, others must set their sights lower to achieve the ownership dream. This 1965 Chevrolet Corvair is a perfect example. It presents well and is a turnkey proposition. However, it is also undeniably affordable, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting it listed here on Craigslist in Delta, British Columbia, Canada. The seller set their price at $8,500, indicating that they will negotiate with genuinely interested potential buyers.
Although it may not always seem the case, vehicle manufacturers are typically quite conservative. Developing a new model is expensive, and risk minimization is high on any list of priorities. The latest model may seem bold and exciting, but it often hides a significant number of proven components beneath the surface. That wasn’t the case with the Corvair. Chevrolet effectively started the development process with a clean sheet of paper, drawing few items from other models in its range. Launched for the 1960 model year, the First Generation looked quite austere. However, when the Second Generation arrived in 1965, it was an entirely different beast. The styling was svelte and received almost universal praise from motoring writers. This Corvair left the line that year. The seller states that it was repainted approximately twenty years ago, but the paint shade is a mystery. I’ve checked the Corvair color chart for that year, and this beautiful Dark Blue Metallic doesn’t appear on it. However, it looks stunning, perfectly suiting this beauty. The seller is candid about the car’s condition, stating that it isn’t perfect. However, with no major panel or paint imperfections and a seeming lack of rust, it ticks the box as a driver-grade vehicle. The trim and glass are excellent, while the aftermarket wheels add an aggressive edge to the Corvair’s appearance.
The seller doesn’t supply many interior images, but those provided paint a generally positive picture. The underdash tachometer appears to be the only addition, with the Corvair featuring a push-button AM radio. The Black vinyl trim looks excellent, making me wonder whether an interior retrim occurred when the repaint was done. There is no significant wear, while the dash and pad are free from visible deterioration. The gauges feature clear lenses and crisp markings, and there is no visible wheel wear. The interior isn’t loaded with factory options, reflecting the company’s underlying focus on affordability and a low sticker price.
Although Chevrolet never publicly stated it, the Corvair’s engineering suggested that it drew inspiration from the venerable Volkswagen Beetle. Both featured a rear-mounted, air-cooled engine feeding its power to the road via a transaxle. However, Chevrolet adopted a “bigger is better” philosophy, with the Corvair’s motor featuring six cylinders. It is the mechanical layout that made the Corvair such a ground-breaking vehicle for an American manufacturer, with only a few minor components from other models finding their way beneath the skin. This car’s 164ci six sends 110hp and 160 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a four-speed manual transaxle. It wasn’t the most powerful version in the Corvair range, but it did combine respectable performance with above-average fuel consumption figures. Potential buyers can consider this a turnkey classic. The seller’s willingness to negotiate test drives suggests they have complete confidence that this Corvair has no nasty surprises or mechanical shortcomings.
It is said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. A classic that stirs an emotional response in one person will sometimes leave others feeling unimpressed and underwhelmed. I have always admired the styling of the Second Generation Corvair. Chevrolet produced a car with sleek lines, and with its radical drivetrain configuration, it should have been a showroom success. The 1965 model provided a sales boost, but the success was short-lived. The production volume fell by 55% in 1966, collapsing completely until the company pulled the plug in 1969. The Corvair was a bold experiment that deserved greater success than it achieved, but the badge enjoys a dedicated following in the classic world. If you have been searching for something affordable to park in your garage, could this gem be a contender?
Very sharp little car! Well written up, almost to the point of considering a cross-continent fly-in, drive-home. Almost.
Very nice find, Curvette and you’re spot on-again, as is more often than not-Adam.
Very apparent that the owner has taken great care of it; can’t imagine that “..should have some more things done on it” could be anything to make a seriously potential buyer walk away.
This is particularly so if the asking price is in Canadian as it’s an amazingly excellent price: $6300 US. That’s 10 cents on the mile if the odometer is correct.
Even at $8500 US this is a steal IMHO.
GLWTS!
Had my ’65 and loved it. Nice one here.
Second generation Vair is one of the best looking designs that came out of the Generals house in the mid sixties. Then came the pony car, could have been so much more but PR was ruthless. Had a couple of early Corvairs and 3 of the second generation and they all drove quite well.
Looks like IROC Blue to me, it was a very popular colour to repaint vehicles in my neck of the woods, Canada Eh ;)
Sweet!
I’m partial to the first-gen body design, but if Delta wasn’t across the universe — the continent, anyway — I’d have to give this a very close look. And then, probably, write a check.
Heck, I’d probably drive it home, too. Both my sisters owned Corvairs and, despite them not exactly following the servicing instructions and me caning the daylights out of both cars, they were totally issue-free.