The 1960 Chevrolet Corvair was a small, compact car produced by Chevrolet from 1960 to 1969. It was designed as an alternative to the more traditional, larger American cars of the time and was marketed as a more fuel-efficient and affordable option.
The Corvair was notable for its unique engineering, including a rear-mounted, air-cooled engine and independent suspension that provided a smooth and comfortable ride. The first-generation model had a distinctive round body style with a sloping roofline and wrap-around rear window.
In 1965, the Corvair was updated with a new body style that featured a squared-off roofline and a more angular design. This second-generation model also featured improved handling and performance, with options including a turbocharged engine and a four-speed manual transmission.
Despite its innovative design and popularity among some consumers, the Corvair was also criticized for safety issues and design flaws, which were highlighted in Ralph Nader’s book ‘Unsafe at Any Speed’. This led to a decline in sales and the eventual discontinuation of the model in 1969. However, the Corvair remains a noteworthy and interesting part of American automotive history.
