Why was the Corvair outlawed?
The Chevrolet Corvair, a compact car produced from 1960 to 1969, was once hailed as an innovative and stylish addition to the American automotive landscape. However, it would ultimately become the center of a major controversy that led to its demise. The Corvair's unique rear-engine, air-cooled design, which was intended to provide better handling and fuel efficiency, was ultimately deemed unsafe by regulators, leading to its eventual ban.
The Corvair's Controversial Design
The Corvair's rear-engine, air-cooled design was a departure from the traditional front-engine, water-cooled layout of most American cars at the time. This configuration was intended to provide better weight distribution and handling, as well as improved fuel efficiency. However, the Corvair's design also made it more prone to oversteer, a condition where the rear wheels lose traction and the car begins to spin.
The Unsafe Handling Allegations
In the early 1960s, the Corvair's handling issues came under intense scrutiny, particularly after the publication of Ralph Nader's 1965 book "Unsafe at Any Speed." Nader, a consumer advocate, argued that the Corvair's design was inherently unsafe and that it was prone to sudden and unpredictable handling problems, which could lead to accidents.
The Government Investigation and Recall
In response to the growing concerns about the Corvair's safety, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched an investigation into the vehicle. The investigation found that the Corvair's handling issues were indeed a significant safety concern, and in 1972, the NHTSA ordered a recall of all Corvairs produced between 1960 and 1969.
The Corvair's Demise
The Corvair's safety issues, combined with the negative publicity surrounding the vehicle, ultimately led to its downfall. Chevrolet discontinued the Corvair in 1969, and the model was never produced again. The Corvair's legacy remains a cautionary tale about the importance of prioritizing safety in automotive design and the power of consumer advocacy in shaping the industry.
Why was the Corvair taken off the market?
Public Perception and Legal Issues: Following Nader's critique, numerous lawsuits were filed against General Motors, and the public perception of the Corvair deteriorated. This led to a decline in sales and ultimately the discontinuation of the model in 1969.
What does Corvair mean in slang?
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. Hacked off: or to be angry.
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.
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!
What does Kools mean in the 60s?
Kools: which are a popular, cheap brand of cigarettes. Lift: meaning to steal. Lone it: which refers to being alone, usually as a habit.
What was the problem with the Chevy 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.
Were corvairs reliable?
The Corvair is inherently flawed. It cannot be disputed that there were major safety errors baked into the design of the 1960-63 model.
What does Fash mean in cars?
'FBSH' might mean 'Full BMW Service History' and 'FASH' could be 'Full Audi Service history'. Like any car jargon, if you're not sure what something in the advertisement or service book means, always ask the seller.
How much did a new 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 |
Why was the Corvair banned?
However, its tendency to oversteer and spin out of control caused problems that led to a redesigned suspension in 1964. After Nader's book appeared, Corvair sales dwindled. General Motors withdrew the car from production in 1969.
