Quote:
Originally Posted by Tvflguy
Hate to admit but very first was a 1964 Corvair. Very similar to the one pictured. Green and all. 4 door, 2 speed automatic. I was 18 and had it about 1 1/2 years. The night before I traded it in for a Plymouth Valiant, my friend and I went for a drive. Next morning, parked out front of my parents house the windows were all foggy that Chicago morning. My Dad was going to work as I walked out to get into the car. Just as I opened the driver door - wooooosh. Smoke billowing and a fire in the back seat. Apparently my friend thru his lit cigarette out the side window, but probably got sucked into the open rear window. Smoldered all night in the back seat until the AM. The insurance covered it, but a hassle.
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I also owned Corvairs, 2 of them. I bought 1 of them as a parts car. After Ralph Nader's book knocking the safety of Corvairs, the price for used models dropped. it was designed as a competitor for the VW bug with its engine in the rear and years of design and development. I always thought that Chevy gave up on the Corvair too quickly. They just needed to call for more air in the tires and stiffer springs. But, Americans wanted a SOFT ride. Apparently, Americans had softer butts and Germans were hard a--es. Too bad, the Corvair had great POTENTIAL. It was great in snow and eliminated a long drive shaft and got good mileage. It had quick steering and was easy to park. Yes, it had some small design flaws that could have been easily changed. And it was low priced.It had the potential to be produced for 25 years. I really enjoyed driving mine. I wish that I could have somehow held onto that vehicle, it had a lot of personality. I even bet that it would not be too hard to find parts for them - being Chevrolet.