The 1965-66 Chevy Corvair Corsa was something of a sports car. As the Corvair’s new, top-of-the-line model, it was available with an optional turbocharged air-cooled inline-6 that produced 40 additional horsepower. It lasted only two years, perhaps a victim of the car’s declining sales in the second half of the decade. This ’65 Corsa one had a turbo engine, but it’s long-gone, and the body isn’t in any great shakes either. So, from Lake Stevens, Washington, this Corvair is offered as a parts car for $500 here on craigslist.
Corsa’s had an enhanced handling package, which had already been improved over the Corvairs that came under safety scrutiny by activist Ralph Nader. So, with the extra kick from the turbo engine, these cars were probably a lot of fun on road courses. The Corsa was only offered as a 2-door hardtop and convertible, and was the only model that you could get the turbocharger in (the base engine came without one and produced 140 hp). The Corsa also came with a better instrumentation package than standard ‘Vairs.
The seller’s car is one of 20,291 hardtops built in 1965 (add 8,353 for drop-tops). It’s been sitting in someone’s backyard for who knows how long, and the turbo engine has taken flight. We’re told the transmission is good (a 4-speed?) and the rest of the running gear is still there. If you want to pick parts after you buy them, much of the trim is okay, though the seller doesn’t think much of the body (rust?).
This vehicle will come without a title as the seller can’t find it. All-in-all, it’s a shame as the 1965-66 turbo Corsa is probably the most desirable of the rear-engine Corvairs. Back in the day, this was likely a great-looking car that had quite a few surprises for Ford Mustang owners.
Corsa dash and wood wheel are about worth the asking price. If I was closer I’d make an offer.
1965 I have a Corsa dash if you’re interested. Good shape too.
Thanks, I have a couple spares!
opposed six.
YES! flat opposed 6 cylinder like a, Porsche! That would be a very long rear deck with an online 6 residing there! Since the engine is gone. Is the Crown V8 conversion parts still available? (Just asking for a friend! ;))
Rough, to say the least. Inline 6 only if you cut 2 cylinders out of it.
2 cylinders??
Russ: Boxer style 6 cylinder, not inline 6 cylinder.
If I remember correctly, not only did the windshield area rust out, but the front suspension did too on these later models.Actually not a bad price for a rare parts car.
Also, the rockers were designed to be open at the ends so that air would flow through to keep them from rusting, but once mud and leaves blocked the holes, it trapped the moisture and had the opposite effect. I have an early model which, although not as sleek and sexy, seems to have fewer rust issues, or at least, different rust issues.
Boxer 6 . Like 911.
if it were here in Nj i would be all over it. money here is in parts and there are some good 1s here for sure. well worth a nickel
A guy I worked with had one of these. I lived 1/2 block from the dealership at the time and was sitting on the front porch with a soda in my hand. When he came driving by going home. When right there in front of my house a guy coming in the opposite direction swerved to his left and hit the Corvair head on with his ’67 Catalina! Closing speed was about 50-55 mph. The Poncho was a tow away total. And we jumped on the Corvair hood to flatten it out so you could see to drive. And he drove home. He found a Corvair parts car and repaired to look almost brand new. These have very strong bodies!
Please stop mentioning Ralph Nader every time you review a Corvair. We all know what a self-serving hatchet job he did on a very good car. Enough, already.
Always wanted to build a mid engine 350 water pumper or now, the biggy is tossing in a 455 Olds Twister in the back. Locked steering of course. Aint gonna make it this time around!