If you’re looking for a first-generation Chevy Corvair, the 1964 model might be the one to get. Many of the handling issues that drew ire from safety crusader Ralph Nader had been resolved and the output of the air-cooled engine had been increased by nearly 20%. This ’64 Corvair is the desirable Monza convertible, the best you could get except for the “performance-oriented” Spyder. Located in Denver, Colorado, this may be a survivor in decent condition that’s available here on craigslist. The asking price is $9,500, though the seller says the car’s worth $12,000 (so why start lower?).
Physically, the ‘64 Corvairs were almost unchanged. But the big differences were with the engineering in the car’s last year before being redesigned in 1965. The 145 cubic inch flat-six now displaced 164 CI, so it was even peppier than before. And Chevy tinkered with the suspension to improve the car’s tendency to lean too far when cornering (Nader said they could flip over). That resulted in a transverse leaf spring being added in the back, plus a softening of the coil springs to make the handling more “civilized.” Sadly, Nader’s efforts were directed at the pre-’64 editions which eventually led to lower sales and Chevrolet giving up on the car in 1969.
In its 10 years, some 1.8 million Corvairs left the assembly line. In 1964, 31,000 of those were the Monza drop-tops like this one. This Corvair has a manual transmission, which we assume is a 4-speed. And, the car has 78,000 miles, leading us to assume its numbers-matching, but info from the seller is limited. The dark blue paint looks okay, but the photos are dark and it’s hard to tell if any rust abounds. The interior is okay, and we’re told the vehicle’s overall is in “good” condition.
Rather than offering up cash, the seller may be interested in trading for another “old school vehicle” without stating any parameters other than maybe a custom van. So, the prospective buyers will need to play messenger tag with the seller to see what would or wouldn’t work (besides a sufficient amount of the green stuff). A nod goes to Barn Finder “Mike F.” for this tip!
Looks to be in decent shape, a picture of the build tag back by the engine will tell a lot (original options, colors and origin). Good club support and virtually every part available.
Looks to be in decent shape, a picture of the build tag back by the engine will tell a lot (original options, colors and origin). Good club support and virtually every part available.
Oops, the yellow one is mine, I like Corvairs. They’re truly a bargain, with a tainted but undeserved reputation
You got a really nice Corvair
Beautiful convertible!! An underrated classic!!
I totally agree with your comments, underated, tainted and underserved, i always wanted a vert like yours but there was never any support in my area so , getting help on issues would have been next to impossible
YOLO
While Ralph Nader’s book did reduce sales and permanently damaged the Corvair’s reputation, it was not the book that ultimately killed the Vair. First came the Mustang, then to compete with the Mustang came the Camaro, Corvair sales dried up once the Camaro hit the show rooms. It didn’t help that GM announced in 65 that there would be no more development on the Corvair after 66. They were good cars, I have a 65 coupe and it drives well and gets lots of attention when I take it out. People are confused when I open the hood and there’s no engine in there. Makes for some fun conversations.
Also, GM simultaneously sold the Chevy II, which occupied the same niche (economical compact) but had a more familiar layout to American buyers, with a water cooled inline six up front.
I used to have a Renault R10 that got the same reaction. Then when people did figure out it was rear engine, they assumed it was air-cooled!
Great example of… Wait, air cooled Chevrolet?
Perfect around town roller too.
I’m more a fan of the late models, but a 64 4 speed convert would be fun. The earlies are so European appearing, and they have certainly grown on me over the years. My 66 Monza convert is a California built 140/4 speed with factory AC, and the white coupe is my 65 mid-engine 350 SBC converted Corsa. The white car is now running Minilite style wheels. I’ve had a Corvair problem since the late 60’s…
My single Aunt bought a new ’63 Corvair Monza but was uncomfortable on the SoCal freeways when the front end had a tendency to bounce up and down at high speeds. My father thought it was a great car and bought it from her after six months. His solution to the bouncy issue: put two bales of tied used newspapers from our “paper drive” in the trunk. Problem solved!! He drove it daily and loved it until our family outgrew it and he sold it for a station wagon!!
The listing says it’s a 4 cylinder. How much does the owner really know about the car? Could the exterior pictures be any worse?
Might be a nice car; but who can tell?
One of my friends in high school had a Corvair. He always drove it like he stole it (so did the rest of us). That big fan belt would fly off. He was not the most mechanically inclined person; so he was always getting one of us who were somewhat mechanically inclined to put it back on. What fun.