What year was the Chevy Corvair made?
The Chevy Corvair was produced by Chevrolet from 1960 through 1969, spanning model years 1960 to 1969.
Production span and generations
Chevrolet introduced the Corvair for the 1960 model year and kept it in production until the 1969 model year, a run that encompassed two distinct generations.
Below is a concise timeline of the Corvair's production years and generational shifts.
- 1960–1964: First generation Corvair with the original rear-engine, air-cooled flat-six layout and classic styling.
- 1965–1969: Second generation introduced with a redesigned body and updated suspension and features; production continued until the final model year, 1969.
The two generations together cover the full production span of the Corvair, from its debut in 1960 to its end in 1969.
Why production ended and its historical context
The Corvair ended production after the 1969 model year due to a combination of shifting consumer demand, rising safety and regulatory scrutiny in the mid-1960s, and General Motors' evolving product strategy. The vehicle remains a notable chapter in automotive history, remembered for its engineering approach and its role in contemporary debates of the era.
Legacy and collector interest
Today, the Corvair is cherished by enthusiasts for its distinctive rear-engine design and its place in 1960s car culture. Collectors often seek early 1960s models for authenticity or late-1960s models for the updated second-generation styling.
Summary: The Chevy Corvair was made from 1960 through 1969, produced in two generations—the first from 1960 to 1964 and the second from 1965 to 1969—before production ended in 1969. Its history highlights a unique engineering approach in its era and continues to intrigue automotive fans and historians.
How much did a Corvair cost in 1960?
A 1960 Chevrolet Corvair initially cost around $2,038 for the base models, like the 500 or 700 four-door sedan. The final price could vary significantly depending on the options chosen, such as a heater, radio, or Powerglide transmission, which could add a few hundred dollars to the final sticker price.
- Base price: Approximately $2,038 for the 500 and 700 series sedans.
- Optional extras: Adding features like a heater or radio could increase the price. For example, a car with a heater, radio, and Powerglide transmission could have a total price of about $2,258, as noted in a Hagerty article.
- In-context inflation: Adjusted for inflation, the $2,038 price tag would be roughly $21,661 in 2024 dollars.
What was the last year the Corvair was made?
Production of the Chevrolet Corvair ended in 1969, with the final car rolling off the assembly line on May 14, 1969. The discontinuation was due to a combination of factors, including declining sales and criticism regarding its handling safety, despite a redesign in 1965.
- Last day of production: May 14, 1969.
- Reason for discontinuation: Declining sales and negative publicity from consumer advocate Ralph Nader's book, Unsafe at Any Speed, even though the suspension was redesigned in 1965.
- Replacement: The Chevrolet Vega was introduced in 1970 to replace the Corvair in the market.
Why did Chevy stop making the Corvair?
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 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.
