For Sale: 1965 Chevrolet Corvair in Saint Louis, Missouri

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 the 6-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 For additional details please view this listing directly on our website