BF Auction: 1964 Chevrolet Corvair

• Seller: Patrick G eary (Contact)
• Location: Erie, Pennsylvania
• Mileage: 50,000 Shown
• Chassis #: 40927W226852
• Title Status: Clean
• Engine: 164 cui Flat-6
• Transmission: Automatic

I think that almost every enthusiast dreams of whiling away their retirement years in their garage, creating the classic of their dreams. The owner of this 1964 Chevrolet Corvair began fulfilling that dream, but severely deteriorating health means it will never become a reality. He has completed most of the hard, expensive tasks, including a high-end repaint and a partial interior retrim. The winning bidder can add the finishing touches, providing an opportunity ot persoanlize this wonderful classic. Therefore, the owner has listed the Corvair with us at Barn Finds Auctions.

Chevrolet took an unusual approach when it launched the Corvair in 1960: apart from a few minor mechanical components, its design came from a clean sheet of paper. The growing popularity of the Volkswagen Beetle motivated the company to take a similar mechanical approach, delivering a relatively small, space-efficient vehicle with a rear-mounted, air-cooled engine. The First Generation remained on sale until 1964, and our featured Corvair is a final-year example. The current owner has been an enthusiast of the badge for many years and has rebuilt various Chevrolet engines for others along the way. He chose this Two-Door as his ideal retirement project, but sudden, severe health issues mean completing the build isn’t viable. However, he had progressed significantly before cruel fate intervened, investing $7,500 in a repaint in a striking combination of Palomar Red and Ermine White. The paint shines beautifully, the panels are as straight as you’d expect from a classic of this caliber, and the car is rust-free. The trim and glass are in good condition, and the alloy wheels, which I believe are from a Toyota, are wrapped in new tires.

The Corvair’s interior is a work in progress, but it features excellent new cloth seat covers. The same is true of the headliner, and the spotless rear louver is a wonderful period touch. The painted surfaces are as fresh as a daisy, and the dash is extremely clean. Tasks awaiting completion include sourcing and installing new door trims and whipping the carpet into shape. The car retains its factory radio, while the underdash radio/cassette player adds a modern touch to an interior with over six decades under its belt.

The drivetrain is what made the Corvair a revolutionary American automobile. Detroit had survived on a diet of front-engine/rear-drive architecture since Day One with only a few exceptions, but Chevrolet threw the rulebook out the window with the Corvair. As with the Volkswagen Beetle, the air-cooled powerplant sent its power to the rear wheels, and while the Beetle featured four cylinders, the Corvair was a flat-six. The company improved performance in 1964 by enlarging the engine from 145ci to 164ci, and those seeking the ultimate performance version could order a turbocharged motor. The owner indicates that this classic isn’t numbers-matching. If the induction system is an accurate indication, this motor could be a 164 that emerged during Second Generation production, because it features four carburetors. If so, it should send about 140hp and 160 ft/lbs of torque to the road through a two-speed Powerglide transmission. The owner says that he recently replaced the exhaust, and that the motor is strong. Therefore, adding the finishing touches would be a rewarding way to occupy the upcoming winter months.

People who know me will tell you that I’m a soft touch, but even the most hardened person must feel sad when a classic like this 1964 Chevrolet Corvair hits the market. The owner has poured his heart and soul into this gem, striving to create a vehicle that could hold its own in any show. His severe health issues have forced him to wave the white flag with the finish line in sight, but the winning bidder can complete what he started while personalizing their ride. If an affordable project has been on your radar, this Corvair could be an ideal candidate.

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