Who designed the Chevrolet Corvair?
The Chevrolet Corvair, a compact car produced by General Motors from 1960 to 1969, was designed by Edward N. Cole, a renowned automotive engineer and executive at GM. Cole's innovative design for the Corvair set it apart from other American cars of the era and made it a significant chapter in the history of the automotive industry.
Edward N. Cole and the Chevrolet Corvair
Edward N. Cole joined General Motors in 1949 and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the chief engineer of Chevrolet in 1956. Cole was known for his forward-thinking approach to automotive design and engineering, and he was tasked with creating a new compact car that could compete with the growing popularity of imported vehicles in the United States.
The result was the Chevrolet Corvair, a unique and innovative car that featured a rear-mounted, air-cooled engine and a distinctive, streamlined design. Cole's design for the Corvair was a departure from the traditional front-engine, water-cooled cars that dominated the American market at the time. The Corvair's unique layout and design were intended to provide better handling, improved fuel efficiency, and a more spacious interior compared to other compact cars.
The Controversy Surrounding the Corvair
Despite its innovative design, the Chevrolet Corvair was not without its critics. In 1965, the book "Unsafe at Any Speed" by Ralph Nader criticized the Corvair's handling characteristics, alleging that the car was prone to dangerous oversteer and instability. This controversy, along with declining sales, ultimately led to the Corvair's discontinuation in 1969.
However, the Corvair's legacy lives on as a testament to Cole's innovative spirit and his willingness to challenge the status quo in the automotive industry. The Corvair's unique design and engineering features have continued to inspire automotive enthusiasts and designers, and it remains an iconic symbol of the American car industry's history.
What was the design flaw in 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.
Why did they quit making the Chevy Corvair?
In April 1965, General Motors decided to stop development of the Corvair and to do only what was necessary to keep it legal to sell. That decision was made due to the strong sales of the Mustang, and the Corvair was not considered capable of competing with it without a major redesign.
What is the rarest Corvair made?
The Loadside
The Loadside is the rarest Corvair—just 2,844 were produced in 1961, and a minuscule 369 in 1962. The Rampside was 80 percent of sales, so the Loadside was discontinued after 1962.
What old cars get the best gas mileage?
Under $10,000
| Years | Make & model | Overall MPG |
|---|---|---|
| 2006-07 | Honda Civic EX (manual/automatic) | 31/28 |
| 2009 | Hyundai Accent (manual/automatic) | 30/28 |
| 2008 | Mazda3 2.0L (manual/automatic) | 30/27 |
| 2009-10 | Toyota Yaris 4-door hatchback | 30 |
How many miles per gallon did a Corvair get?
He estimates the vehicle gets 20 to 25 miles per gallon, just as it did 58 years ago. Gas cost 31 cents a gallon when it was built. “It's nice to drive; it has a two-speed automatic,” Merando said. “It floats a bit because with the engine in the back, air gets under the front end; people used to put sandbags up front.”
Why was the Corvair taken off the market?
Under competition from the Mustang and the publicity hit of Unsafe, Corvair sales plummeted by over half in 1966. GM saw the advantages of developing the Camaro, not the Corvair. According to GM historian Dave Newell, Chevrolet had planned on ending Corvair production after the 1966 model year.
What was the biggest problem with the Corvair?
The Corvair relied on an unusually high front to rear pressure differential (15 psi front, 26 psi rear, when cold; 18 psi and 30psi hot), and if one inflated the tires equally, as was standard practice for all other cars at the time, the result was a dangerous oversteer.
Who designed the Chevy Corvair?
Led by General Manager Edward N. Cole, Chevrolet designed a revolutionary new car. It was powered by an air-cooled horizontal six-cylinder engine made almost entirely out of aluminum. The engine was mounted in the rear of the car, driving the rear wheels through a compact automatic transaxle.
How much is a Chevy Corvair worth today?
Q: What is the average sale price of a Chevrolet Corvair? A: The average price of a Chevrolet Corvair is $15,846. Have another FAQ about the Chevrolet Corvair? Let us know. .
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. The first generation of the Corvair was introduced in 1960 and offered as a sedan or coupe.
