The Corvair was Chevrolet’s first compact car and sold 1.8 million copies over a 10-year span (1960 to 1969). And that despite a controversy with safety advocate Ralph Nader that led to declining demand after 1965. One of the most desirable Corvairs would have to be a convertible, and the seller has a sharp example from 1963. We assumed the car was donated to charity since the seller is Just Donated, Inc. in Orange, California, and the neat car is available here on eBay, where the no-reserve auction stands at $2,850.
Unlike most of its competition, the Corvair’s engine was in the back – and it was an air-cooled six-cylinder. We assume Chevrolet’s decision to go this route was because the popular Volkswagen Beetle had the same setup. The engine displaced 145 cubic inches, and the transmission in the seller’s car is the 2-speed Powerglide automatic transmission, modified to fit the layout of the car. This example has 84,000 miles, and we assume the mechanical components of the Chevy are all in order.
The appearance of this Corvair implies that some form of restoration was done at some point. The body, paint, and interior all look too good to be original. The combination of red and white looks outstanding on this car, and the seller provides an ample amount of photos to judge the condition of the vehicle before you place a bid. A video is even provided for prospective buyers.
This is a Monza convertible, and 1963 was its best sales year at more than 44,000 units. By the time production wound down in 1969, barely 500 Monza convertibles rolled off the line. While Ralph Nader is usually credited with the falling demand for the Corvair after 1965, the Ford Mustang was also a factor. It was a sporty car, as were many of the Monzas, and as the Mustang evolved in the late 1960s, the Corvair did not.
Sigh, time has a way of erasing all, and maybe someday that guy won’t be mentioned on Corvair posts, but the author, I feel, is justified in mentioning him. For the general audience here, it’s tough not to. I’m sure the “elephant” will be the wide whites, but this is a wonderful car. Folks know how I feel about Corvairs, I love them. I don’t think the Corvair was ever intended to replace an Imperial, but was a great concept, something the Europeans knew for years.
So wha’ happened? Timing,,,,,all about timing. In the 60s, we were still dropping Niagara Falls down intakes, fuel economy only affected a small amount of people. A Corvair was just too far out there, even though it was much simpler than what they were used to driving. That, and yep, the influx of much better imports, was the kiss of death for the Corvair, not so much Nader. By 1969, anyone that wanted a Corvair, had one. Compared to a 240Z for another $500, the choice was clear, and Corvair faded away.
Well, here’s your chance to see what all the hub-bub was about, Corvairs were fun cars, a ragtop even better. While I complained in the past about prices, this isn’t what I had in mind. The low bid( $3,000???) is a shock, telling me, even at that price is an insult, and by rights should command more.
What do you think?
I think I want this car but have to sell my 74 Super Beetle first!
Have both!!
I love the wide whitewalls on this car with the white roof and interior!
In 65 I had a 62 Monza convertible with a 177 cube Bill Thomas built Spyder turbocharged engine & 4spd. Made about 275hp. couldn’t get a low enough rear end ratio…3.89 from a Greenbrier was the lowest we could find. Got MiniCooper 10″ wheels redrilled to fit with Avon slicks. Had a skid plate under the engine to keep it from dragging the ground. Since it was a blown engine it was supposed to run C/Gas Supercharged (lowest supercharged class), but the tech folks at Lakeland Dragstrip in Memphis didn’t know what they were looking at so I ran D/Gas. Would run right at the D Gas national record of 12.0 @105.
I like this a lot.