How much is a 1964 Corvair worth today?
In today’s classic-car market, a 1964 Chevrolet Corvair can range from a few thousand dollars for a rough project to well over $30,000 for highly desirable, well-documented examples. The exact price depends on model, body style, condition, originality, and provenance.
The Corvair line from 1964 encompasses several trims and body styles, each carrying its own market appeal. As with many American classics of the era, condition and originality drive value far more than typical headlines. This piece outlines what buyers and sellers should know when valuing a 1964 Corvair, with guidance on how to check current prices and how to optimize resale potential.
Model variants and desirability
The 1964 Corvair lineup offered a mix of trims and styles that influence value. Here are the variants commonly discussed by collectors and sellers.
- Corsa — high-performance trim, often the most desirable among collectors, especially in original or restored form
- Spyder — sport-oriented variant with performance cues; commands strong interest when well preserved or restored
- Monza — mid-range trim that is popular as a driver-quality classic
- 500/700/900 — base or mid-level trims; typically more affordable, but represent good entry points for collectors
- Convertible vs coupe — convertibles generally fetch higher prices than coupes in similar condition
Not every variant is equally priced in every market, and rare body styles (such as certain cabriolets or less common trims) can push prices higher when they’re complete and documented. When evaluating value, identify the exact model year’s trim and whether the car is a factory-spec restoration or a period-correct rebuild.
Practical takeaway on variants
If you’re shopping for value, expect Corsa and Spyder convertibles to carry premium ranges, while Monza and base trims offer solid mid-market value. Always verify matching numbers (engine, transmission, and VIN) and check that factory options align with the reported trim.
Condition-based value ranges
Condition is the dominant factor in price. Here are broad ranges you’ll typically see in the market, with the understanding that individual cars can exceed or fall short of these bands based on provenance and specifics.
- Concours/fully restored, correct, show-quality examples — commonly $25,000–$40,000+, with top-tier Corsa/Spyder convertibles occasionally higher
- Excellent to very good driver — typically $15,000–$25,000
- Good driver or solid restoration candidate — roughly $8,000–$15,000
- Fair condition or major projects needing significant work — often under $5,000
These ranges paraphrase current market tendencies and are useful as a starting point when negotiating or evaluating listings. Local market demand, recent restoration quality, and originality can shift values by a few thousand dollars in either direction.
Where to check current values
To arrive at precise, up-to-date figures for a specific car, consult several reputable sources and recent market activity. Start with these references:
- Hagerty Price Guide (model- and condition-specific valuations)
- NADA Classic Car Guide (pricing by year, model, and condition)
- Hemmings Classic Car price guides and market reports
- Bring a Trailer auction results (for recent sale examples and bidding dynamics)
Concluding for list: Cross-checking multiple sources gives a more accurate snapshot of the current market and can help set a realistic asking or bidding strategy.
Tips to maximize value
- Aim for factory-correct specifications where possible; keep documentation of options and restoration work
- Maintain or restore mechanicals (engine, cooling, brakes, suspension) to reliable driving standards
- Preserve or accurately reproduce originality, including color schemes and period-correct trim
- Keep a clear service history, receipts, and any rare factory documentation or inclusions
- Address rust and structural integrity thoroughly; professional rot repair sustains value
A well-documented car with solid mechanicals and an appealing, era-appropriate presentation will typically command stronger prices in today’s market.
Summary
A 1964 Corvair can be valued anywhere from under $5,000 for a rough project to $30,000 or more for excellent, highly original or correctly restored exemplars—especially in coveted variants like Corsa or Spyder convertibles. Model, body style, condition, and originality drive pricing, while recent auction results and valuation guides provide the best real-time benchmarks. If you’re buying or selling, check Hagerty, NADA, Hemmings, and Bring a Trailer for the latest numbers and examples, and tailor your expectations to the specific car and your local market.
If you’d like, tell me the exact variant, year, and condition you’re considering, and I can tailor a more precise, up-to-date range based on current market data.
How much is a 1964 Corvair worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $8,100 for a 1964 Chevrolet Corvair Monza in good condition with average spec.
How much is a 1964 Chevy worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $30,983 for a 1964 Chevrolet Impala in good condition with average spec. The highest selling price of a 1964 Chevrolet Impala at auction over the last three years was $156,000.
How much is a Chevy Corvair worth today?
The price for a Chevrolet Corvair varies significantly based on factors like model year, condition, trim, and features, but typically ranges from around $8,000 to $20,000 for good condition examples. Lower-priced models in poor condition can be found for under $5,000, while pristine or special versions can exceed $25,000.
Factors influencing price
- Condition: Poor condition examples can be found for under $5,000, while very clean and desirable models can sell for $15,000 to $25,000 or more.
- Trim and features: Specific trims like the Monza or Corsa, and features such as a turbo engine or convertible top, will increase the price.
- Model year: Different years have different values, with later models often being more expensive.
- Mileage: Lower mileage generally leads to a higher price.
Price examples
- Lower end: A 1962 Chevrolet Corvair Monza was listed for $10,900, and some project cars in very poor condition can go for under $5,000.
- Average: A 1965 Chevrolet Corvair Monza in good condition typically sells for around $8,467.
- Higher end: A 1965 Chevrolet Corvair Corsa Convertible is listed for $41,500, and a 1966 Monza Convertible is listed for $24,995.
What was the biggest problem with the Corvair?
In his 1965 book, Unsafe at Any Speed, Nader called the Corvair “the one-car accident.” He wrote that a design flaw in the rear suspension made the car likely to flip over when driven in abrupt maneuvers, like, say, avoiding a ball that suddenly rolled into the street.
