Back To The Dark Ages: 1966 Chevrolet Corvair Mid-V8
The first generation Chevrolet Corvair (1960-1964) was much maligned for it’s swing axle suspension that would pogo-stick you into a spin at the first chance it could get…but the 2nd generation (1965-1969) fixed that with a fully independent rear suspension with coil springs at all four corners that would keep you right-side-up right-side-forward and alive. But this next example has a Corvette LT1 V8 sitting where an arm rest would normally go…and if that won’t kill you in a crash, the roll cage will certainly finish you off. Might as well mount a Viking helmet as an airbag in this thing…but oh man it looks like fun. Find this 1966 Chevrolet Corvair V8 offered for $8000 in Hamilton, OH via craigslist.
From the seller:
1966 Chev. Corvair coupe
condition: good
cylinders: 8 cylinders
drive: rwd
fuel: gas
size: mid-size
title status: clean
transmission: automatic
type: coupe
Mid-engine 350hp 1992 Chevrolet LT-1 with big chevy powerglide transmission mated to the modified Corvair positraction differential. This is a running/driving project that just needs to be finished. Please see spec sheet attached.
See a better way to drive a V8air? tips@dailyturismo.com
Watching the owner parallel park trying to finesse a 4200 stall torque converter must be pretty entertaining to watch. But as it’s built to go in a straight line it’s probably not an issue.
A V8 in a Corvair was pretty cool in the 60s but there are so many better options that don’t involve a water pump waiting to eat your elbow on a 2nd gear shift. A modern transverse V6 with a 6 speed or a wrecked Boxster donor would allow seats with real legroom and power to weight not much different than this.
I don’t know, parallel parking a diesel Mercedes with a 4 speed on some of the hills in San Francisco was pretty entertaining in that pay someone to insult you sort of way. Especially pointing downhill.
The SBC in 914s folks have all sorts of resources for relocating the water pump and other accessories. I wish there was a photo of the transmission because this doesn’t make much sense. Seems way forward to me.
But who is going to spend that kind of money on a Corvair, when the weak flat 6 that’s prone to failure in the Boxster is replaced with small-block Chevys all the time? I’d rather instead see a turbo 4 suby boxer install with 400+ hp.