How long is a Chevy Corvair?
Chevrolet’s Corvair spanned several body styles and model years, so its length isn’t a single figure. For most standard passenger models, you’re looking at roughly 165–170 inches in length (about 13.75–14.2 feet). Larger variants like the Greenbrier van stretch well beyond that, approaching 205–208 inches (around 17.0–17.3 feet).
Length by body style
Chevy Corvair lengths vary by year and body style. Here are the typical ranges you’ll encounter across the original production run.
- Standard passenger cars (coupe, sedan, and convertible): typically about 165–170 inches long (approximately 13.75–14.2 feet), depending on year and trim.
- Greenbrier vans and other extended variants: notably longer, generally around 205–208 inches (about 17.0–17.3 feet).
In everyday terms, most Corvair enthusiasts and restorers will find the common passenger models hover in the mid-teens of feet, with vans and specialty variants extending toward the high teens.
Verifying exact figures
Because length can differ by year, sub-model, and body type, it’s best to consult the precise specification for the exact configuration you’re researching. The following sources typically provide exact measurements for a given year and model.
- Official General Motors (GM) spec sheets and Chevrolet brochures for the relevant year and variant.
- Contemporary press materials and sales literature from Chevrolet outlining the Corvair lineup.
- Automotive reference databases and catalogs (e.g., Hagerty, ClassicCars.com) that archive original measurements by model year.
For an authoritative figure, locate the specific model-year brochure or spec sheet, or measure the vehicle directly if you have access to the car itself.
Summary
The Chevy Corvair’s length depends on the model and year. Most standard passenger Corvairs are about 165–170 inches long (roughly 13.75–14.2 feet), while larger variants like the Greenbrier van run about 205–208 inches (around 17.0–17.3 feet). For exact figures, refer to year-specific Chevrolet literature or trusted automotive databases that document the exact configuration you’re examining.
What is the length of a Corvair?
If anyone ever asks you for Corvair's dimensions: wheelbase, 108.0"; tread: front, 54.4", rear, 55.1"; length, 180.0"; width, 67.0"; height (loaded): Sedan, 51.5", Club Coupe, 51.4", Convertible, 51.1".
What is a 1964 Corvair worth today?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $8,100 for a 1964 Chevrolet Corvair Monza in good condition with average spec.
Why was the Corvair banned?
The Chevrolet Corvair was discontinued primarily due to its damaged reputation for poor safety, a result of handling issues in early models and the public outcry following Ralph Nader's 1965 book, "Unsafe at Any Speed". Additional factors included a decline in sales after the Ford Mustang was released, the high cost of producing the Corvair's unique rear-engine, air-cooled design, and Chevrolet's decision to focus development on its competitor, the Camaro.
Safety and reputation
- Early Corvairs had a swing-axle rear suspension that could cause problems in sharp turns, which was criticized in the media.
- While Chevrolet improved the suspension in later models, the damage to the Corvair's reputation was already done.
- Ralph Nader's 1965 book, "Unsafe at Any Speed," heavily criticized the Corvair's safety, creating a public perception that significantly hurt sales.
Market and competition
- The introduction of the Ford Mustang in 1964 was a major success that made the Corvair's sales decline.
- Chevrolet shifted development resources to create the Camaro to compete directly with the Mustang, a car that was much more conventional and profitable to produce.
Production and cost
- The Corvair was a unique and expensive car to build because its rear-engine layout and air-cooled engine design were unlike most other Chevrolet models.
- This made it costly to produce compared to competitors and limited its ability to share parts with other GM cars, contributing to its high cost and low sales volume.
What are the dimensions of a 1966 Chevy Corvair?
DIMENSIONS: Wheelbase, 108.0"; length, 183.3"; width, 69.7"; height: sport sedan, 51.2", sport coupe, 51.3", convertible, 51.5". WHEELS: 13" five-bolt wheels. (For specific details on tire sizes, appearance features and availability with car models, see your Chevrolet dealer.)
