The Fascinating World of Corvair Cars: Unearthing a Rare Find in a Colorado Junkyard
In a surprising turn of events, eight Chevrolet Corvairs have recently made their appearance at a junkyard in Colorado Springs, leaving car enthusiasts astounded. The discovery of these rare classics has reignited the debate about whether such iconic vehicles should ever be discarded. This article takes a closer look at one of these Corvairs, shedding light on its history and significance.
Deciphering the model years of these Corvairs has proven to be a challenge due to the complexities of decoding serial numbers and build tags from the pre-17-digit-VIN era. However, it is important to note that all eight cars are either coupes or post sedans, excluding hardtop sedans, wagons, pickups, convertibles, or vans.
Corvair production spanned from 1960 to 1969, with a total production count of approximately 2 million units. Despite their initial abundance, finding project Corvairs in American wrecking yards has become increasingly rare. While stumbling upon two or three per year during junkyard explorations is not entirely uncommon, encountering such a substantial number at once in a U-Pull facility is an extraordinary experience.
According to the employees at U-Pull-&Pay, these Corvairs were brought in by an individual who also mentioned having several more in his possession. This suggests that it could be the result of a passionate Corvair enthusiast purging unneeded parts cars from his storage lot.
The Corvair, known for its air-cooled rear-mounted engine, was a groundbreaking design by the standards of its time. It remains one of the most controversial American cars ever made. Sales peak during the 1961 and 1962 model years, but gradually declined afterward, eventually collapsing in 1966. Although production continued until 1969, the Corvair’s popularity had significantly waned. Various factors have been attributed to its decline, including Ralph Nader’s influence, GM’s mishandling of the situation, government regulations, and competition from other vehicles such as the Chevy II/Nova and the Renault Caravelle.
For those seeking a comprehensive understanding of the Corvair’s history, a highly recommended read is Aaron Severson’s well-researched and annotated Corvair history. Starting with the development of a small-car concept at GM during World War II, Severson provides readers with an in-depth exploration of the Corvair’s evolution.
The featured Corvair in this series was built at the Oakland Assembly plant in California. This plant initiated Chevrolet Four-Ninety production in 1916 before it closed down in 1963. It was later replaced by Fremont Assembly, located about 25 miles southeast, which eventually became NUMMI and is now famously known as Tesla Factory. Currently, Eastmont Town Center stands where Oakland Assembly once thrived.
This particular Corvair is equipped with a 145-cubic-inch (2.4-liter) air-cooled pushrod boxer-six engine. It features dual carburetors and a distinctive “around-the-corner” fan belt system, which, although unconventional in appearance, proved to be highly functional. The engine produced 80 horsepower when paired with a three- or four-speed manual transmission and 84 horsepower when equipped with the two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission.
Inside the car, one can find optional features such as an AM-only radio, priced at $57 back then, which roughly translates to $596 in today’s currency. This additional expense allowed drivers to enjoy the top hits of 1962 through a scratchy mono dash speaker. Notably, Civil Defense symbols indicating CONELRAD stations can be spotted on the radio’s frequency dial. These symbols served as markers for emergency instructions in the event of an approaching nuclear threat.
Another intriguing item within the car is a Pace CB-143 23-channel CB radio from the mid-1970s, which was sold around the time C.W. McCall’s song “Convoy,” highlighting the importance of CB radios for truckers, topped the music charts. Interestingly, fans of C.W. McCall can download free MP3s of his advice to truckers crossing the Rockies on Interstate 70 via his website.
Based on a 1992 West Coast Gas magnetic dash calendar found in the car, it appears that this Corvair last saw regular use about three decades ago. Remarkably, the calendar aligns perfectly with the current year of 2024, including the leap day in February, making it oddly relevant if purchased by a junkyard shopper.
In terms of its original market positioning, this Corvair belonged to the mid-grade 700 series. Priced between the base 500 and the sporty Monza 900, it would have had an MSRP of $2,268 in 1962, which translates to approximately $23,704 after adjusting for inflation. A comparison with a 1963 Ford Falcon Futura sedan reveals that the Falcon began at a slightly higher price point of $2,377 ($24,843 in today’s money). However, the Falcon enjoyed the advantage of being a larger car with a real coolant-fed heater.
The previous owner of this Corvair proudly showed their affiliation with both the Pikes Peak Corvair Club and the Corvair Society of America through bumper stickers displayed on the car. Although it remains unclear what the “VAIRFIGNEWTEN” sticker signifies, it is likely an inside joke among members of the Corvair Society from decades past.
The question arises: Is this Corvair worth restoring? While there is minimal rust present, and there are nearby sources for parts donors, the cost of bringing this car to its former glory is estimated to exceed $20,000. Consequently, the investment might not yield a return that justifies the expense, potentially leaving it as a labor of love for devoted Corvair enthusiasts.
In conclusion, stumbling upon a collection of eight Corvairs in a Colorado junkyard is an exceptionally rare occurrence. The Chevrolet Corvair holds a special place in automotive history due to its innovative design and controversial reputation. While the debate surrounding its demise continues, these newly discovered Corvairs remind us of the enduring allure of classic cars and the stories they tell.