The second generation of the Chevy Corvair (1965-69) suffered in the sales arena, thanks largely to some negative safety PR via Ralph Nader. Which is a shame, as the nifty compact was a much-improved automobile by then. The seller’s car is a rare 1967 Monza convertible of which only 2,109 copies were produced. With the engine out and ready to be rebuilt, this Corvair is available here on craigslist and in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, as a cheap wheels project for $2,000. Bravo, Mike F., for another cool tip.
Chevrolet entered the burgeoning compact market in 1960 with a VW Beetle-like entry – a small car with an air-cooled engine mounted in the back. It sold quite well for the first few years, but growing competition and handling concerns led buyers to seek other alternatives around 1964-65. A redesign in 1965 didn’t instill confidence, and Chevy decided to pull the plug in 1969 (building just 6,000 Corvairs that year).
The engine (164 cubic inch flat-six?) has already been pulled from this car and has at least some of the parts needed for a rebuild. With a reported 102,000 miles, it probably got tired from 58 years of use. Chevy’s Corvair version of the 2-speed Powerglide automatic transmission may still be fine, but the seller has seals for it if needed.
We see at least one bad rust spot on one of the fender wells, and the seller has a replacement quarter panel if that covers the same area. But one rust spot usually leads to another, though the car looks good in most of the photos. But we see the Chevy with three sets of wheel covers (which are the most recent?). The interior and top appear to be at least acceptable. The seller has perhaps lost interest in this project and “needs it gone ASAP” at what could be a bargain price tag.
The more pressing concern on a 1965-69 Corvair convertible is the A-pillar rust down low. The rocker panels are 12-gauge steel with a thick center rib down the middle; it’s basically the car’s main structure. Unfortunately, GM used “flush and dry” rockers on these, and leaves and dirt would collect at the bottom of the A-pillar and collect water like a sponge, rusting out the front of the rocker panel and cowl. You really have to take a close look to see the extent of the damage.
I agree wit Aaron, the A-Pillar, lower front fenders, rockers and bulkhead need close inspection. I restored mine 3 years ago and all required extensive work. If that checks out this could be a great buy. I don’t know if I would do a rebuild on the engine as there are still many good ones out there. Usually all they need is new pushrod tube seal and some gasket.
These engines aren’t rocket science. When we put one into a ’50s VV panel to use as a support vehicle on desert bike runs, rings, bearings, gaskets, etc. were easy. Left the rear reduction gears in it and it would really get up a mountain.
The introduction of the Mustang did at least as much damage to Corvair sales as Ralph Nader. The irony is that Nader’s book forced Chevrolet to keep the Corvair in production longer than planned. Chevrolet planned to drop the Corvair when the Camaro arrived (or shortly thereafter), but Chevrolet thought that doing so would be admitting that Nader was correct, so the car hung on a few more years.
My 65 Corvair Corsa was my favorite vehicle in my lifetime. I’m 70 and a car collector. I have my first new car I ever bought, a 74 Fiat X1/9, 93 Toyota MR2 turbo, Fiero and more. My favorite cars but that Corvair complete with the exiting fan belt and oil leaks still left me with the best memories. I’m looking for a restored Corsa to purchase. Even a Crown conversion V8 model would excite me.
Your first car, the X-19 was my favorite fun car. Not fast, but with an aftermarket air cleaner and the engine right behind my ear, it sounded great! That car was comfortable and it handled like a slot car. If I could have an engine w/300hp amidship, It would have been a killer!
Funny you would mention the underpowered X1/9. Yes it handled literally like a go cart. I am sending that little gem to a shop that transplants 240 hp k20 engines into them. I’m looking forward to many more good times in it. The Fiat is a close second in my favs. It’s still on the road but with the new power it may become my all time favorite. Still, you can never replace a high school hot rod Corvair.