What were the facts about the Corvair in the 1960s?
The Chevrolet Corvair, introduced in 1960, was a revolutionary vehicle that captured the attention of American consumers and sparked significant debate throughout the 1960s. Known for its unique design and engineering, the Corvair became a symbol of innovation and controversy in the automotive industry. In this article, we will explore the key facts about the Corvair during this transformative decade.
Innovative Design and Features
The Corvair was notable for its rear-engine layout, which was a departure from the traditional front-engine design of most American cars at the time. This configuration offered several advantages:
- Improved Handling: The rear-engine design contributed to better weight distribution, enhancing the car's handling and stability.
- Compact Size: The Corvair was smaller than many of its contemporaries, making it easier to maneuver and park in urban environments.
- Versatile Body Styles: Available as a coupe, convertible, and sedan, the Corvair appealed to a wide range of consumers.
Performance and Variants
Throughout the 1960s, the Corvair underwent several updates and introduced various models, including the sporty Monza and the utility-oriented Corvair 95. Key performance aspects included:
- Engine Options: The Corvair featured a flat-six engine, which provided a unique driving experience compared to the V8 engines prevalent in other cars.
- Turbocharged Model: In 1962, Chevrolet introduced a turbocharged version of the Corvair, offering increased power and performance.
Controversy and Criticism
Despite its innovative features, the Corvair faced significant criticism, particularly from consumer advocate Ralph Nader. His book, "Unsafe at Any Speed," published in 1965, highlighted safety concerns regarding the Corvair's handling and stability, particularly in high-speed turns. This criticism led to:
- Increased Scrutiny: The Corvair was subjected to investigations by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
- Declining Sales: As safety concerns grew, sales of the Corvair began to decline, leading to its eventual discontinuation in 1969.
Legacy of the Corvair
Despite its tumultuous history, the Chevrolet Corvair remains an important part of automotive history. It is often remembered for its innovative engineering and design, as well as the lessons learned regarding vehicle safety and consumer advocacy. Today, the Corvair has a dedicated following among classic car enthusiasts, who appreciate its unique place in the evolution of American automobiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Corvair mean in the 1960s?
a sports car
Corvair: meaning a sports car popular in the 1960s, made by Chevrolet. Cuss: or to swear. Dig: or to understand or like something. Fuzz: which refers to the police.
What was so special about the Corvair?
The Corvair was notable for its innovative design, which included a rear-mounted air-cooled engine, four-wheel independent suspension, and a compact, lightweight uni-body.
What are some fun facts about the Corvair 1960?
Corvair is the 1st and only mass-produced American vehicle offering an air-cooled rear engine design, unibody construction, factory turbo-charging, and 4-wheel independent suspension. The 1962 Corvair Spyder and Oldsmobile F-85 Jetfire were America's 1st vehicles offering factory turbo-charging.
How much did a Chevrolet Corvair cost in 1960?
Production notes
| Year | Production | Base price |
|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 253,268 | US$1,984–2,238 |
| 1961 | 337,371 | US$1,920–2,331 |
| 1962 | 336,005 | US$1,992–2,846 |
| 1963 | 288,419 | US$1,982–2,798 |
How much did a Corvair cost in 1965?
Production notes
| Year | Production | Base price |
|---|---|---|
| 1964 | 215,300 | US$2,000–2,811 |
| 1965 | 247,092 | US$2,066–2,665 |
| 1966 | 109,880 | US$2,083–2,682 |
| 1967 | 27,253 | US$2,128–2,540 |
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.
How much was a Corvair in 1960?
Production notes
| Year | Production | Base price |
|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 253,268 | US$1,984–2,238 |
| 1961 | 337,371 | US$1,920–2,331 |
| 1962 | 336,005 | US$1,992–2,846 |
| 1963 | 288,419 | US$1,982–2,798 |
Who got the Corvair banned?
A prominent aspect of the Corvair's legacy derives from controversy surrounding its handling, articulated aggressively by Ralph Nader's Unsafe at Any Speed and tempered by a 1972 Texas A&M University safety commission report for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which found that the 1960–1963 ...
What is the rarest Corvair made?
The rarest Corvair is the amphibious Corphibian Loadside pickup. One was built. The GM plant in Oshawa, Ontario, built 100 amphibious Corvair Dynatrack articulated vehicles for the U.S. and Canadian Armies. The Australian Army ordered 500 but didn't have the money upfront.
How many Corvairs were sold in 1960?
More than 200,000 Corvairs were sold in 1960 and for each of several years afterward. The car impressed with GM's first Detroit-built unibody design and all-aluminum, air-cooled, flat-six engine (another first from GM).
