1965 Chevrolet Corvair Corsa

For most of the 1950s and 1960s, Chevrolet produced more automobiles in the United States than any other automaker. Their success was attributed to its attractive styling that included flamboyant fins, the longest hoods, big wheel openings, and plenty of bright work. They continually innovated rather than playing it safe, becoming a technological leader led by high-compression engines and the first practical automatic transmission. Among their ambitious projects was a small, air-cooled rear-engined automobile that was bold and pioneering.

Chevrolet produced the Corvair for nearly a decade, from 1960 through 1969 in two generations. It was a deviation from traditional American norms of design by utilizing an air-cooled, horizontally opposed six-cylinder, rear-mounted engine constructed with many major components made from lightweight aluminum. The suspension was independent at all four wheels, the tires had a low-profile design wrapped on wider wheels, and the unconventional unibody chassis was built by Fisher Body.

The Chevy Corvair was unique and rather successful with over 200,000 examples sold during its first six model years. Its engineering received numerous patents and Motor Trend named the Corvair as the 1960 'Car of the Year.'

The first generation of styling was built through 1964 and power was supplied by an air-cooled, overhead-valve aluminum 140 cubic-inch flat-six engine delivering 80 horsepower.

The second generation of the Corvair arrived in 1965 with the lack of a 'B' pillar, rounded body lines, a 'venturi' shaped profile, and a slightly wider, lower, and longer stance being among the most visual differences. The previous 95 horsepower engine and optional 110 hp version were carried over from 1964, and the previous 150 hp Spyder engine was replaced by a normally aspirated 140 hp for the new Corsa. This engine had four single-throat carburetors, larger valves, and a dual exhaust system. The Corsa could also be purchased with an optional turbocharged version which brought horsepower to 180 hp.

The suspension system was improved for 1965, with a fully independent rear setup comprised of upper axle half shafts, rubber-bushed rods, coil springs, and lower equal-length trailing torque arms.

The 1965 Chevrolet Corvair trim levels included the Corvair 500, the mid-priced Corvair Monza, and the top-of-the-line Corvair Corsa. Prices for the four-door Corvair Hardtop Sport Sedan began at $2,100 and $2,020 for the two-door version. Body styles on the Corvair Monza included a sport sedan, sport coupe, and convertible, with prices ranging from $2,300 to $2,445. The Corsa hardtop sport coupe sold for $2,450 and the convertible for $2,600. 20,291 examples of the Corsa Hardtop Sport Coupe were built, and 8,353 of the convertible.

The Corsa trim level added 'Corsa' badges on the front fender cowl sides and in front of the rear wheel opening. Standard equipment included a tachometer, oil pressure gauge, temperature gauge, electric clock, special interior trim, and Satin Silver special ornamentation.

by Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2020