1962 Chevrolet Corvair Series

The 1961 Chevrolet Corvair enjoyed strong sales, so in 1962, GM decided to make no significant changes. The changes that were made were few, such as to the front, side, and rear trim. They wore re-designed hubcaps and the inside was given nicer interiors. Model nameplates could still be seen on the sides of the front fenders.

Standard equipment included front foam seat cushions, directional signals, sun visor, rubber floor mats, electric windshield wipers, a heater, and a defroster.

The base engine was a horizontally opposed six-cylinder aluminum unit that offered 80 horsepower.

The Corvair 500 series consisted of a 2-door Club Coupe which sold for nearly $2,000. Chevrolet produced 16,245 examples in 1962.

The Chevrolet Corvair Series 700 had a sedan, a 2-door club coupe, and a station wagon. The 700 Series added extra chrome exterior moldings, dual horns, and upgraded upholstery. The station wagons had a folding rear seat. The model nameplate could be found on the front wheel housing.

Chevrolet produced a total of 35,368 examples of the 700 Series sedan. Just 3,716 examples of the station wagon were produced.

The Corvair Monza Series 900 added all-vinyl interior trim, backup lights, a Deluxe steering wheel, glove box light, wheel covers, a folding rear seat, and rear armrests. The model nameplates could be found behind the front wheelwell. Bright ribbed metal rocker panel moldings were used along the lower body sills. Body styles consisted of a sedan, convertible, club coupe, and station wagon. The Club Coupe was very popular with 151,738 produced. The sedan was also a popular choice, with 48,059 examples produced.

The Monza Spyder Series 900 was technically an option package for the Monza convertible and coupe. Most people thought of it as a new model. The package added a special 150 horsepower turbocharged version of the Corvair engine, plus identification badges on the rear deck and a round 'turbocharged' emblem with opposing arrows and 'bow tie' on the rear deck.

by Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2013