The Corvair was Chevrolet’s first compact car. Introduced in 1960, it went down the path less traveled by Detroit automakers. It used an air-cooled engine mounted in the rear, much like the Volkswagen Beetle. About 1.8 million were produced in 10 years, with only one redesign occurring in 1965. This Corvair is from the second batch, but the seller is unclear if this is a 1965 or 1968 model. In any event, it doesn’t run but comes with a parts car to possibly help with restoring the primary auto. Located in Eclectic, Alabama, this interesting Chevy is available here on craigslist for the cheap wheels price of $2,250. Another tip brought to us by Mitchell G.!
By the time the redesign of 1965 came along, the handling of the Corvair was much improved over what Ralph Nader had focused on in his book, Unsafe at Any Speed. While the printed work took aim at the Corvair, Nader focused on all sorts of safety issues that led to the impetus for the U.S. Government to create the Department of Transportation (DOT) in 1966. The 1965-69 Corvairs were better cars than the 1960-64 versions, but PR from the book did a number on sales. Only 6,000 Corvairs were built in 1969 before Chevrolet moved on.
The Monza was the higher trim version of the Corvair and that’s what the seller presumably found in the pictured barn. This looks like one of those “just get it out of here” acquisitions which includes a parts car that’s not in the photos. This ’65 (or ’68) Monza Sport Sedan (aka hardtop) is one of 37,000 or more produced in 1965 (not sure about 1968).
We’re told the engine (164 cubic inches) turns over but has no spark (bad gas?). And the brakes in the back are locked up, so you’ll have to drag it onto a trailer. The Monza has an automatic transmission, and the interior looks fairly good, considering this car was likely in exile for many years. But the carpet is suspect in the front which could suggest rust in the floorboards. Though the car wears plenty of dirt and grime, the body and paint don’t seem all that bad. The parts car is 2-door but we don’t know if it’s a first or second-generation ‘Vair.
One of the coolest finds I’ve seen on this site
Hmmm, no side markers , so not a 68-69. The best I can find with the wheel covers is 65. 66 & 67 had different full wheel covers. Nonetheless, it’s a 4 door hardtop and a lesser known car. I love it!
It’s a 1965
I’ll never understand the mentality of trying to sell something without at least turning the garden hose on it. So many sellers conserving water?
The windmill broke, and the handle on the well pump’s missing, I guess.
“The pump don’t work ’cause the vandals took the handle”
–Bob Dylan
The vandals took the handle?
Maybe because the accumulated dust and dirt on it are proof it sat there for decades …and is not a fake barn find ? Although one could fake it I guess, like in a Hollywood movie…
Last year for the four-door Corvair was 1967, so that settles that.
I always thought that the 4 door hardtop 65 and up Corvairs were beautifully styled. Nice lines great proportions. Even though it was on what looks like a dirt floor it seems dry. You’d really need to get a good look at this one underneath. And I agree, are we really trying to conserve water here? I dont mind an opening shot with the as discovered dirt covering it up, but for Pete’s sake, take a hose to it!!!
NO IT’S A 65. The only year the dash came in argent from the factory!
Doone and CCfisher are correct. Very handsome offering from Chevrolet in 65. My good friend and Corvair guru of 40 plus years were just talking about one of the best Corvair cars he owned. It was a 66 4-door Monza White with a mist blue top and blue interior. 4-speed with a 140 engine. These are great cars!
Looks like the poor thing was stored in a real trash pile.
Terrific cars, indeed. I wish people would quit giving any credence to that goof Nader.
I don’t think any true ‘car people’ ever paid any attention to screwball Nader. I bought the 1960 2 door coupe with a 3 speed on the floor new and it was a great little family car. Never experienced any of the issues Nader whined about.
I mean if he was a real crusader he could’ve went after all the Mustangs that would explode on rear impact too
sad
Russ, “turns over but has no spark (bad gas?).” Spark and fuel are two separate issues all together. Even if the fuel system was literally water and no gas, ignition spark has nothing to do with a no spark situation. Once spark is achieved, the condition of the fuel would determine whether, or not, an engine will ‘fire.’
A Chevy dealer had one as his personal car which I drove occasionally. No
Corvette but it carried you from point A to point B with no issues. Dad who sold cars had one briefly. I don’t miss it.
That’s why you need a plate like mine which reads 0NADER
I’d go with LOL NADR, myself 😏
Communicated with the seller. You can tell this was a cherished car for somebody back in the day. Note the addition of aftermarket side moldings and reupholstered front seats. I agree this Corvair would benefit from a wash and I bet the seller could be temporary celebrity on Reels or Tik Tok if he did the whole vacuum/wash/shampoo/polish/clay bar this car for the general populous!