Vehicle Description
The Chevrolet Corvair was a revolutionary compact car produced by
the Chevrolet division of General Motors from 1960 to 1969. The
first-generation Corvair was introduced in 1959 as a 1960 model,
and featured a unique rear-mounted air-cooled engine, as well as
independent suspension and a unitized body. The car was
well-received by the public and was considered a strong competitor
to imported models like the Volkswagen Beetle. The second
generation of the Corvair, produced from 1965 to 1969, featured
many important changes besides the styling, including a redesigned
suspension to improve handling, and a range of new engine
options.
The Chevrolet Corvair was designed by Detroit Icon Ed Cole, who
served as the chief engineer for Chevrolet from 1956 to 1967. Cole
is also known as the father of the small-block V8 engine, which was
used in a wide range of Chevrolet vehicles and is still in
production today. Additionally, Cole is credited with having a
significant impact on the development of the Chevrolet Corvette and
Camaro during his tenure at General Motors. His final position was
as president and CEO.
The Corvair was a much more influential car than many realize. Ed
Cole said the engine was not designed by Porsche as some
speculated; in fact, Cole suggested it was more likely that Porsche
studied the Corvair six-cylinder engine on their path to designing
the6-cylinder Porsche 901/911 engine introduced in 1965. In an
interesting aside, Porsche didn't use a coil spring and wishbone
rear suspension design like the gen 2 Corvair until January 1994,
almost 30 years later!
This 1965 Chevrolet Corvair Corsa Convertible is a rare find being
a genuine example of the desirable high-performance Corsa model.
This Corsa includes factory upgraded suspension and a
140-horsepower, four-carb, flat-six engine mated to a four-speed
manual floor-shift gearbox. Finished in period-correct colors of
Regal Red over black with a white pinpoint vinyl convertible top.
The black vinyl interior is in excellent condition, featuring
bucket seats and correct nylon loop carpet. Additional features
include chrome accents, factory radio, period-correct wire wheel
covers and convertible top boot cover. The factory steel wheels
wear period-correct B78-13 Firestone Deluxe Champion whitewalls.
Only 20,291 of these cars were produced in 1965, this example
having rolled out of the Willow Run, Michigan GM Plant in August of
1965. This plant was built in 1959 specifically for Corvair
production.
Impeccably restored by a devoted marque enthusiast, this Corvair is
presented with exquisite detailing and high-quality finishes. The
fully detailed engine compartment houses the original
numbers-matching flat-six, along with the correct spare wheel and
jack. One look at the detailing inside the 'frunk' reveals the
quality nature of the restoration. It is accompanied by original
documentation including period brochures, owner's manual, and
vin-matched warranty booklet with factory Protect-O-Plate ID card
intact.
This wonderful Corvair Corsa is one of the finest available today -
a beautifully restored, highly detailed example that is ready to
show and to experience the joy of open-air motoring.
Offers welcome and trades considered
