1964 Chevrolet Corvair

Gateway Classic Cars of Charlotte is proud to digitally present this 1964 Chevrolet Corvair.

The 1960-69 Chevrolet Corvair was the last radical mass-produced car from General Motors, although 1,710,018 units of the rear-engine auto were sold. The Corvair was highly unusual for a domestic vehicle, with its air-cooled, rear-mounted engine featuring the compact horizontally opposed piston layout of Porsche and VW Beetle engines. The Chevrolet Turbo-Air 6 is a flat-six air-cooled automobile engine developed by General Motors (GM) in the late 1950s for use in the rear-engined Chevrolet Corvair of the 1960s. It was used in the entire Corvair line and a wide variety of other applications. The Corvair's six-cylinder engine generated 80-95 horsepower, which was more than sufficient for the reasonably light car. The engine's use of air-cooling made it appealing to amateur aircraft builders, and small-volume engine builders established a cottage industry modifying Corvair engines for aircraft.

Significant engineering changes were introduced in 1964, while the model lineup and styling remained relatively unchanged. The engine displacement was increased from 145 to 164 cu in (2.4 to 2.7 L) by an increase in stroke. The base engine power increased from 80 to 95 hp (60 to 71 kW). In 1964, an improvement in the car's swing axle rear suspension occurred with a transverse leaf spring and softer rear coil springs designed to diminish rear roll stiffness and foster more neutral handling. Spring rates could now be softer at both ends of the car compared to previous models. The heavy-duty suspension was no longer optional, although all models now had a front anti-roll bar as standard. Brakes were improved with finned rear drums.

This quirky little runabout is a prime example of styling, price, and fun converging to make a unique vehicle that captures the minds of motorists everywhere. The attractive blue paintwork and blue interior on this fun-sized machine show very well, and you'll be proud to pull up to the next car show or just to the stop light on Main Street. Undoubtedly you will be getting lots of smiles and waves from passers-by as you cruise around town with you and your passengers. Slide behind the wheel and put it in Drive, looking cool in your American Air-Cooled!