1962 Chevrolet Corvair Super Spyder Concept Spyder

The Chevrolet Corvair, introduced in 1960, presented a very accommodating platform for designers to use to stretch their imaginations. The platform, with its rear-mounted, horizontally-opposed 6-cylinder engine and transaxle combined with a four-wheel independent suspension system, would provide the basis for four remarkable concept cars from the GM Design Studios, then under the direction of Bill Mitchell. The earliest of the Corvair concepts shown at Amelia Island is the 1962 XP 785 Super Spyder. Built on a 1961 Corvair platform with its wheelbase shortened 15-inches, the Super Spyder had some of the original car's appearance when viewed from the front....but it was a different story when viewed in profile.

In this pose, the close-coupled two-seater with its racing-inspired windscreen, extended fiberglass tonneau cover, a headrest that tapered into the engine cover, and three chrome exhaust pipes exiting behind both rear wheels, took on a look distinctly its own.