Vehicle Description
Handsomely restyled for 1965 with exceptionally clean,
European-influenced bodylines, the second-generation Chevrolet
Corvair remains an unqualified triumph of Bill Mitchell's legendary
GM design studios. A focused lineup of body styles included two-
and four-door hardtops and a convertible blessed with impeccable
purity of line. In addition to revised styling, the Corvair model
lineup was simplified for '65, ranging from the base Corvair 500 to
the upscale Monza, and new top-of-the-line, high-performance Corsa.
Powering the Corsa was a newly uprated air-cooled,
naturally-aspirated "Turbo-Air" flat-six engine with 164 cubic
inches and 140 factory-rated horsepower standard. Committed driving
enthusiasts could also opt for a version with an actual
turbocharger, factory-rated at 180 horsepower - or 1.1 horsepower
per cubic inch of displacement - a true engineering achievement.
Unknown to many, the 180-horsepower engine option was unique and
exceedingly well engineered with specific high-strength internal
components and carefully tuned intake and exhaust systems. In fact,
it remains a tour de force of engineering prowess that only a small
slice of automobile buyers could fully appreciate and exploit.
Chevy vastly improved the Corvair's handling for '65, with refined
front suspension system and the rear swing-axle setup replaced by a
truly independent suspension design influenced by the Corvette
Sting Ray. Now featuring double-jointed rear axles, coil springs,
and control arms, the updated Corvair's handling was praised by the
era's top magazine road testers for its sophisticated design
characteristics and excellent response to driver inputs. The
performance-oriented Corsa was dropped from the Corvair lineup
after 1966 and sadly, further development of this innovative
Chevrolet model halted. Corvair production continued into 1969, and
second-generation models are rare and highly collectible today,
especially in Corsa specification. Offered only for 1965 and 1966,
the Corsa - in both naturally-aspirated and turbocharged tune -
fell victim to the onslaught of Ford's conventionally engineered
but wildly successful Mustang and internal competition from GM's
own front engine/rear drive Camaro and Firebird from late 1966.
However, noted automotive writer Richard M. Langworth provided the
best summary of the Corvair Corsa, declaring it "...perhaps the
most sophisticated (certainly one of the most ambitious) cars ever
to come from Detroit: gobs of power, world-class handling, and
looks that simply couldn't be better." Sold new in Van Nuys,
California, and recently kept in a private collection, this 1965
Chevrolet Corvair Corsa Turbo Convertible is a wonderfully
presented example of these fascinating American performance cars.
Very attractively presented in Cypress Green paint complemented by
a black convertible top, boot cover, and matching bucket-seat
interior, the Corsa is the product of a quality, well-detailed
restoration, retaining a pleasingly glossy paint finish and the
visual signs of caring ownership and enjoyment. Features include
the Corsa's mandatory 4-speed manual transaxle for a decidedly
sporting driving experience, factory AM radio, power top, and
heater/defroster. The Corsa also features a comprehensive
instrument cluster that includes a 140-mph speedometer, tachometer,
cylinder-head temperature gauge, and clock. Steel wheels wear
wire-basket covers with decorative knock-offs, and period style
whitewall tires finish it off in factory-correct fashion. Extensive
documents include the original dealer-issued Protect-O-Plate,
owner's manual and power top guide, plus 20-plus years' worth of
California registrations from the 1970s onward. Showroom and
accessory brochures are also included, featuring GM's captivating
graphics and photography. A truly unique automobile on all counts
and certainly a daring leap for GM and Chevrolet, the Corvair was,
despite lore, quite successful and provided loyal American buyers
with a technically sophisticated, nimble, roomier, and
better-equipped alternative to the hordes of Volkswagens and other
small European cars imported to North America in the 1960s. Of all
Corvair variants produced, the Turbo Corsa remains a rare and
interesting favorite among true driving enthusiasts. This very
nicely restored and preserved example is ready to enjoy, for many
miles of top-down high-performance driving pleasure. Offers welcome
and trades considered For additional details please view this
listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7219-1965-chevrolet-corvair-corsa-convertible/