Hello, Ever follow any year Corvair from the 1960 to the last versions of the model? The first year versions were ones that had the problems for most enthusiastic economy minded buyers. A different design, a copy of the European Porsche as it was sometimes known as the “American Porsche…” ha! A turbocharged version of the flat-6 engine was introduced in 1962 with the Corvair Monza Spyder. But, there was no getting around it… it leaked oil in the flat 6 motor and did not have the instant power of the flat 6 from Germany upon acceleration. The design was a forward way to look at the set up similar to the very popular VW/Porsche design. It just did not have the oomph of the Porsche and was a plodding car for the m***es. Low cost, good economy and for some low maintenance. For others, the ones that tried going around corners like normal front engine design cars had to adjust to the sway and control or lack thereof. So, as the unsuspecting folks who normally drive a front engine car, the rear engine car gave them problems. My wife’s 62 Corvair was a fun driver. But, the mysterious oil leak multiplied even with new gaskets and sealed motor repairs. Then despite tuning, the motor began to sputter, it failed in the wrong place and it was the straw that broke the camel’s back. After getting it fixed, we gave it away to a desperate uncle that needed a car for his daily driving. Jnaki As nice as the later models are/were, the overall program was doomed. The fancy hardtop version with 150 hp turbo motor was nicely put together. But, despite the stiffer suspension parts, better handling components, the word was out and so was the Corvair. If we could, we would have liked the hardtop turbo charged 2 door sedan. It was a nice copy of a well proven design, but it just did not have what it takes to be successful and fun all in the same package. YRMV
From a circa 1949 newsreel (colorized) comes this still of Glendale Blvd. at Locksley Place, Los Angeles. Note the CA-2 shield.
The Jalopy Journal
