Who was the designer of the Corvair?
The Chevrolet Corvair, a unique and innovative car produced by General Motors (GM) from 1960 to 1969, stands out in automotive history for its rear-engine design and air-cooled engine. But who was the visionary behind this groundbreaking vehicle? Let’s dive into the story of the Corvair’s designer and the legacy they left behind.
The Visionary Behind the Corvair
The Chevrolet Corvair was designed under the leadership of Ed Cole, who was the chief engineer and later the general manager of Chevrolet during the late 1950s and early 1960s. Ed Cole is widely credited as the driving force behind the Corvair's development. His innovative approach to engineering and his willingness to take risks helped bring this unconventional car to life.
Ed Cole envisioned the Corvair as a compact car that could compete with European imports like the Volkswagen Beetle. To achieve this, he pushed for a rear-mounted, air-cooled engine—a design that was rare among American cars at the time. This decision gave the Corvair its distinctive character and set it apart from other vehicles in the Chevrolet lineup.
Why the Corvair Was Revolutionary
The Corvair introduced several groundbreaking features that were ahead of its time. Here are some of the reasons why it remains a significant part of automotive history:
- Rear-Engine Design: Unlike most American cars of the era, the Corvair had its engine mounted in the rear, which improved interior space and weight distribution.
- Air-Cooled Engine: The Corvair's flat-six engine was air-cooled, eliminating the need for a traditional radiator and reducing complexity.
- Independent Suspension: The car featured independent suspension, which contributed to its smooth ride and handling.
- Compact Size: The Corvair was smaller than most American cars of the time, making it a practical choice for urban driving.
Ed Cole’s Legacy
Ed Cole’s work on the Corvair cemented his reputation as one of the most innovative automotive engineers of his time. While the Corvair faced criticism later in its production run—most notably in Ralph Nader’s book Unsafe at Any Speed—it remains a testament to Cole’s willingness to challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of automotive design.
Today, the Corvair is celebrated by enthusiasts for its unique engineering and its place in automotive history. Ed Cole’s vision and leadership continue to inspire those who appreciate bold and innovative design.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did a new Corvair cost in 1965?
On an historical note, the Corsa series succeeded the Monza Spyder sub-series as the 1965 year's sporty Corvair. The Corvair Corsa Coupe was priced at $2,465, but the most expensive Corvair model was the Corsa Convertible which ccame in at $2,608.
Why did General Motors stop making the 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 a 1964 Corvair worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $10,160 for a 1964 Chevrolet Corvair Monza in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1964 Chevrolet Corvair Monza? The highest selling price of a 1964 Chevrolet Corvair Monza at auction over the last three years was $27,825.
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 miles per gallon did a Corvair get?
Based on data from 15 vehicles, 624 fuel-ups and 81,064 miles of driving, the 1965 Chevrolet Corvair gets a combined Avg MPG of 18.29 with a 0.31 MPG margin of error. Below you can see a distribution of the fuel-ups with 17 outliers (2.65%) removed.
What was the controversy with the Corvair?
Ralph Nader published the book "Unsafe At Any Speed" in 1965 stating the vehicle was, well, unsafe. In 1972, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) basically disproved his findings. By then, the damage had been done.
How much did a Corvair cost in 1965?
The Corvair Corsa Coupe was priced at $2,465, but the most expensive Corvair model was the Corsa Convertible which ccame in at $2,608.
Who designed the Chevrolet 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 did the original Corvair cost?
Production notes
| Year | Production | Base price |
|---|---|---|
| 1967 | 27,253 | US$2,128–2,540 |
| 1968 | 15,399 | US$2,243–2,626 |
| 1969 | 6,000 | US$2,528–2,641 |
| Total | 1,835,170 |
Did the Corvair have a baby cradle?
Yep, I used to sleep there in my mom's Corvair on road trips and at the drive-in movie. It wasn't the engine vibration that lulled babies to sleep, it was the engine fumes that did it!
