Chevrolet’s first compact car was the 1960 Corvair. Following the lead of the Volkswagen Beetle, it used a rear-mounted, air-cooled engine (but with six cylinders instead of four). A flood, a competitor would follow, but they all went the conventional water-cooled, front-engine route. The seller has a nice 1963 Monza Sport Coupe with a 4-speed manual transmission, which may only need a coat of wax. Located in Lafayette, Indiana, this little trip down Memory Lane is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $8,000. Bravo for the cool tip, T.J.!
The Corvair was produced across two generations (1960-64, 1965-69) and had internal competition from the conventional Chevy II/Nova beginning in 1962. More than 1.8 Corvairs found homes over their run, with the greater number tied to the first five years. The Corvair caught the attention of safety advocate Ralph Nader, but we’ll leave his displeasure with the layout of the car for another time.
This nice example from the auto’s fourth year looks like an original survivor and may only have 59,000 miles. It’s said to be a good runner and has the desirable 4-speed manual transmission. The body and interior look fine, and the burgundy paint may respond nicely to some rubbing compound and elbow grease.
The Corvair should attract attention at Cars & Coffee, as there’s really nothing else out there that’s similar. We’re told everything works, so this is a driver, not a project. The seller is on the hunt for a Harley Davidson trike and may be willing to talk trade if you have one. For eight grand, this could be a wonderful way to get into vintage car collecting.
Something something Ralph Nader something something….Nice ‘Vair! GLWA
This is identical to the first car i ever bought from a dealer. Paid $75.00 in 1971.
Sweet Corvair… in what looks like fine original condition… and at a reasonable price!… Good luck to both seller and buyer.
I’ve owned and driven Corvairs for 39 years.
Without pictures of the underside and running gear…with the condition of the paint, and the look of care in the engine bay, he’s a good 2500. To 3000 off the price.
looks solid but i have seen mint 1s seller for not much more than this guy’s asking price. to me 5k is about right for what it is.
FWIW Hagerty’s price guide has the ’63 Monza Coupe at $8100 in “condition 3″… Taking the description and pics at face value I’d put this one somewhere between condition 3 and 2… …but an in-person inspection would be a must.
Fair ask. What it sells for is always a different matter. Nice Corvair from here. Needs inspection as always.
I remember the unsafe at any speed slogan RN is 92 now I drove one for a while an good traction in winter snow
I’d trade this for a running Harley Trike too, but try finding one of those for 8K.
I bought a new 63 from Good Chevrolet in Alameda, CA while I was station there in the Navy.
White with red interior, $2600. out the door.
The handleing problem was solved with chrome reversed wheels.
It would easily do 100 and did many times on my trips back and forth to Whidbey Island, WA.
You just can’t resist mentioning Ralph Nader, can you? No, please do not revisit his scurrilous attack on a car he didn’t understand. You have done it too many times already.
Wasn’t Ralph Ritchie Cunningham’s friend from Happy Days?
Ralph Malph – LOL!