Produced from 1960-69, the compact Corvair’s most distinctive feature was its rear-mounted, air-cooled, flat-six engine. The design was one of the reasons why Motor Trend magazine named it “Car of the Year” upon its debut. Our Pick of the Day is a 1965 Chevrolet Corvair listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Grand Island, Nebraska.
Model year 1965 marked the first for the Corvair’s second generation, and one of the key engineering changes applied was the introduction of a fully independent suspension to replace the original swing-axle in the rear. A magazine advertisement from the time said, “You think, no wonder they took the time to give Corvair a sports-car-type fully independent suspension. And no wonder they nestled the engine in back. Corvair makes the most of light steering, jackrabbit handling, and rear-engine traction.”
Finished in Evening Orchid (code P), the car was reportedly passed down from the seller’s grandfather. Exterior features include chrome bumpers, quad headlights, dual side mirrors, and dual exhaust outlets. “Beautiful paint job, have to look very hard to find any blemishes,” the listing says.
Corvairs such as this one optioned in popular Monza trim received niceties like bucket seats and plush carpeting. Equipment includes white vinyl upholstery, center armrest, and embroidered floor mats. The seller says the radio is inoperative (it needs an antenna).
At the rear is that famous air-cooled 164ci “Turbo-Air” flat-six that was rated at 110 horsepower. A four-speed manual transmission sends power to the rear wheels.
About a year ago, the car received about $3,700 in work from Shade’s Classic Corner Corvairs in Hastings, Nebraska. Parts replaced included a rebuilt transmission (four-speed to replace the previous three-speed), fuel pump, gaskets, input shaft seal, heater motor, lower ball joins, stabilizer rod bushings, electronic ignition, and more. Additionally, the battery, clutch, and shocks are newer.
“Runs and drives great,” the seller says.
Send this listing to anyone in your network who’s a Corvair fan, or hit up the seller and make an offer yourself. It’s a one-family-owned piece of American history with recent maintenance and a great color combo! The asking price is $20,000 or best offer.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
