The compact Chevrolet Corvair arrived in dealer showrooms in 1960. Chevy was aiming squarely at the growing competition from overseas. And in America, there was an increased appetite for smaller and more economical alternatives to full-size domestic models.
Back in the day, Chevrolet’s competitors were launching more conventional compacts. But they were essentially shrunken versions of their big cars. Chevrolet took a different approach with the Corvair, making it something of a technological tour de force.
The 1962 Corvair coupe listed on eBay is an excellent example. It combines a high degree of originality with the upgrades needed to make it a turn-key classic.
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Rear-Mounted, Air-Cooled Engine, With Manual Gears
The Corvair had a rear-mounted and air-cooled aluminum six-cylinder engine, sophisticated independent suspension, and unibody construction.
Its styling was also a bold step. The Corvair’s low, sleek profile skipped the big fins and copious chrome of the day.
The Corvair coupe for sale on eBay features the desirable top-of-the-line Monza trim. That added back some chrome accents. In addition, there are full wheel covers and carpeted floors.
The unrestored black interior is in remarkable condition for a classic that’s almost 60 years old. The original dash is in excellent condition. And all instruments and the switchgear are in place. The original door panels avoided the dreaded cutting for speakers common on older cars, and the headliner is flawless.
Rising Values
The Corvair’s innovative design helped make it a success. The car’s configuration also gave it better handling and responsiveness than most cars of the day.
Despite the controversy surrounding Corvair handling—brought to the world’s attention by Ralph Nader - opens in new window or tab.—continuous improvements helped make the Corvair at least as safe and more fun to drive than most of its contemporaries.
The Corvair’s colorful history even today helps make it a popular choice with collectors. Values continue to rise as more enthusiasts come to appreciate its virtues.
Original Monza Pieces Included
The seller reports some minor seam splitting in the front seats, which could be easily remedied thanks to readily available Corvair parts on eBay.
The Corvair runs well through the gears and there's plenty of punch. It’s powered by the correct horizontally-opposed and air-cooled six-cylinder engine with twin carbs backed by a four-speed manual transmission.
The clean engine compartment includes the original spare tire in its proper location. Upfront, the forward trunk was refinished in the appropriate speckle finish. It shows like new.
The gleaming red paint looks particularly good on this sporty Corvair. The chrome and trim all present well in the 100-plus photos included with the listing. The seller also includes the original and hard-to-find Monza trim pieces and optional bumper guards. Most of the window and door seals were replaced to protect against leaks and minimize noise.
With a modest Buy-It-Now price of $15,495, this Corvair Monza is enticing. That’s especially true because it doesn’t need much. Well, a set of fuzzy dice for the summer cruising season might be a nice touch.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.