Generation Info
| Years Made |
1960-1969 |
| Body Types |
convertible, coupe, sedan, wagon
|
| Number Made |
1,271,089
|
| Engine Options |
2,288cc 85.9x66m/2,377cc 87.3x66m/2,684cc 88.9x72.4mm. 6 cyl OHV |
| Max Power |
80 bhp to 180 bhp |
| Max Speed |
87-105 mph |
Ratings
| Reliability |
 |
| Maintenance Costs |
 |
| Parts & Support |
 |
| Market Appeal |
 |
History
Detroit finally woke up to the fact that some 600,000 compact cars were imported into America in 1959. The General's reaction was the quirky Corvair, a car which combined the popular Beetle's rear-engined layout in a body the size of a small Mercedes.
No other American car looked like it, or drove like it: wayward handling got Ralph Nader going, but swing axle suspension quirks remedied in very attractive restyled second series. Also unusual was the pre-Porsche 911 flat-six engine. Four-door sedan and wagon generate little enthusiasm, but the two-door coupe and convertible are more interesting. If there is a collectible Corvair, it is the 1965 and newer Corsa with its 180 bhp turbocharged engine.