1961 Chevrolet Corvair Series Deluxe Series 700 Station Wagon

Don Magas used his 50-plus years of Corvair experience in building this 1961 Chevrolet Corvair Lakewood 700 custom. He began with a 1961 Lakewood station wagon which he found listed online for sale in California. The car had been resting in the desert for nearly two decades prior to Mr. Maga's acquisition.

After the car was delivered to Mr. Magas's home state of Pennsylvania, the body was media blasted before being sent to Arone Restorations where the floors were replaced, the bodywork fixed, and the stainless trim pieces were restored. Upon completion, the body was painted a shade similar to the yellow offered in period. The stock 80-horsepower engine was upgraded to a 110-horsepower 164 cubic-inch unit rebuilt and balanced by the Corvair Range in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. An upgraded electronic ignition system was installed along with a trombone-style dual exhaust.

The interior is trimmed in tan Naugahyde with 1961 Monza door panel trim, seat bottom tufting inspired by the 1966 Corvair, backrest tufting inspired by the 1963 models, as well as 1964 armrests. Instrumentation is Auto-Meter electronic units set into a custom panel, and the carpets are Daytona-style weave. There is a dash clock and push-button radio.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2021