Apr 8, 2020 • For Sale • 15 Comments
Parked 40 Years Ago: 1967 Corvair 500 Coupe
The shark-like second-generation Corvair (1965-69) is considered one of the most attractive designs to come out of Detroit. With a strong following and full parts availability from the aftermarket, it’s a mystery why Corvairs perennially lag in market popularity. If this was a ’67 Camaro or even a Nova, the price would be ten times the $1,200 asked here. Big thanks to reader local_sheriff for finding this one that’s been asleep for the past 40 years, and woke up to find itself here on eBay in Lombard, Illinois.
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My personal theory is that without a big V8 up front, muscle car guys go, “it’s not a real Chevy”, and the air-cooled crowd obsesses over German machinery. I say that’s a good thing. It makes the Corvair one of the few cool classics that regular guys and gals can own, for not much money. I am biased here because I’ve owned a 1965 Monza since 2005. I am also trying to pass it to a new owner. And I’ve learned the tricky part is Corvairs are easy to buy and difficult to sell. Which, could be why hardcore Corvair owners tend to have lots of them, and sometimes even a few that even run. The ones I’ve met tend to be Doc Brown type characters who march to their own music. And I say this with total affection. If one of the things you enjoy about old cars is meeting interesting folks, Corvair people will not let you down.
The 1960s was an era when General Motors was innovating like crazy, with turbocharged V-8s, front-wheel-drive Toronados, and rear-engined cars like these. Which could also have a turbo. And for a car that looks like a Detroit muscle product, driving the Corvair is a surprise. It’s shockingly Volkswagen-like with that lightweight front end and raspy motor out back. The claim is out there that it’s the American Porsche, and the Corsas can live up to that promise. But lower-end models like this one feel a lot more like VWs. Only with more power, cheaper parts, and sleeker styling.
There are two great things about late models. They have no door posts—are all pillarless hardtops, even the lowly 500 seen here. And like contemporary European cars, the majority of Corvairs have manual transmissions. This one is an exception with the 2-speed Powerglide. Likely its only option, as 500s are the strippo model. But because Corvairs are so simple, they’re not all that much different. No chrome around the doors and taillight surround. And a very basic interior with flat-looking seats and a rubber floor mat. These tend to have the 95-hp engine vs the 110 or 140. Cheapskates don’t get a badge on the engine lid!
The seller recently pulled this car out of 40 years of storage. Unfortunately, they damaged it doing so. The “tunnel cover needs replacement” but “it’s a bolt-on part.” I’m not sure what they are talking about. The floors are also showing rot. They don’t have any idea whether it needs a little work or a ton of work. They haven’t bothered to wipe it down, but they’re not asking much. This car is cheap, but it has many caveats. If you’re even considering buying this one, I’m going to do a brief commercial message for my own car. It has dry solid floors, runs perfect, and will put you miles ahead of starting with an actual barn find. What do you say—is this ’67 a painful pile of parts, or a good starting point?
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Comments
Its right next to me but its Automatic :`(
Chevy would have done better to put a small 6 in front.
They did hedge their bet. It was the Chevy 2. Amazing how they lasted long enough and GM invested in a second generation.
I’m not a Corvair guy but didn’t lo-po motors have a single carb? Single carb, dual carb, turbo?
No single carb non-turbo engines. All normally aspirated were 2 carb or 4 carb in various hp denominations over the years.
The “tunnel cover needs replacement” but “it’s a bolt-on part.” I’m not sure what they are talking about.
There is a big flat pan that runs down the center of the Corvair that hides all the shift linkage, throttle and e-brake parts that run from from the front to rear, there is also small cover inside the car where they come up into the dash.
I love Corvairs – I’m on my 8th (a V8 Crown conversion). And my very first was a 65 Monza. At going rates this is at best a $300 – $500 car
I looked at the whole collection of these in 2-3 places in Illinois last fall. Seller is representing the whole lot. He’s a great and smart auto guy but these were not stored in ideal conditions. Anyone interested in more info I have please contact me at my email: [email protected]
I’m going to go out on a limb here and, based on the underside photos, surmise that this car is rotten in too many structurally important places.
I’ll bet the sellers do indeed know whether it needs “a little of work or a ton of work”.
I’ll bet the sellers do indeed know whether it needs “a little bit of work or a ton of work”.
Always liked the second gens. I think the styling is of Italian design.
@Urk Oh yeah, now you are talking! My buddy had one of these back in the 80’s…what a great car!
Chebby – tells us about yours – why not list it here??
Hey Peter, thanks for the interest! It actually is listed here.
https://barnfinds.com/classifieds/1965-chevrolet-corvair-monza/
Hi Chebby – looked at the lisiting – a little rough for me but looks like a deal at your price. GLWS
Happy Easter and keep safe by staying home everyone