The first-generation Chevrolet Corvair (model years 1960-64) marked a departure from traditional American car design and engineering: It came with unique features including a horizontally-opposed flat-six engine mounted at the rear using many aluminum components, unibody construction, and European-inspired styling. Motor Trend magazine named the Corvair its Car of the Year in 1960, citing some of these bold engineering moves in its rationale.
The second-generation Corvair launched for 1965 took the formula and refined it. Perhaps the most notable change involved replacing the swing-axle rear suspension with a fully independent setup using coil springs at each wheel.
An advertisement for the 1966 Corvair said, “This car is fun with no foolishness. Rear-engine traction keeps you moving. Independent suspension all around, sure-footed. Wide-Stance wheels for balance. Steering, easy and sure. It all happens in the ’66 Corvair.”
I spotted a clean 1966 Corvair Corsa convertible at a recent show in Arizona and had to pause and admire. Upon reviewing the available colors for that model year, my best guess is that the car had been finished in Lemonwood Yellow (code Y). Features included rocker moldings, silver rear panel, dual side mirrors, and Minilite-style wheels wrapped in Mohave Touring tires.
I’m surprised it took me so long to put this together in my head, but the largest Corvair club in the country is called CORSA, just like the top-line sporty trim level of the car itself, though the club’s name is an acronym: Corvair Society of America. Just like many other car communities, CORSA stays active by coordinating regional events, distributing publications, maintaining a registry, supporting vendors, and sharing the love of the Corvair through social media.
With the top down, I had a clear view of the tidy interior. Features included tan vinyl upholstery, floor-mounted shift lever, manual-crank windows, radio, and Bowtie-branded floor mats.
For the Corsa model, there were two available engines in model year 1966: Standard was a 140-horsepower air-cooled 2.7-liter flat-six, and optional was a 180-horsepower turbocharged version. Power for the car I spotted came from the base engine paired with a manual transmission.
It’s too bad the Corvair only made it through two generations and 10 model years. The joy of the Corvair was found in its unconventionality, and I was glad to see someone proudly displaying one among other icons of 1960s motoring.
