The first generation Chevrolet Corvair (1960-1964) was much maligned (particularly by Ralph D. Nader) for its 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 […]
New car dealers have strange cars on their lots. You can’t even find a manual transmission at a Ferrari or Lamborghini dealership in 2021, but if you have a hankerin’ for a mid-engine car with a manual gearbox and rear-wheel-drive, skip the fancy new dealerships and head to craigslist. Yeah. Because the mid-engine car you are going to buy today doesn’t have a prancing quadruped on the hood, but it does have a stick shift and seats 7. Find this 1992 Toyota Previa offered for $2450 in Albuquerque, NM via craigslist. Tip from FuelTruck.
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.
My advice for selecting a mid-engine kit car to buy is the same advice I give for people considering a mohawk for their hairstyle. Always go bigger, flashier, spikier, and bluer. And never go half way in, with some kind of stupid fauxhawk, you need to commit to the full experience and rock that Chevy V8 powered Manta symbol of your inner 6 year old and make it loud and proud. Find this 1983 Manta Montage offered for $14,500 in Seattle, WA via craigslist. Tip from Rock On!
The new C8 generation Chevrolet Corvette is considered by mainstream automotive news outlets as the first American sports car to go mid-engine (sorry, the Fiero doesn’t count), but if you ask me…it was the Corvair. I know that the Corvair was rear-engine when it left the factory, but the number converted to mid-engine is enough to probably qualify it as a factory offering. Today’s example is cheap and ready for a new owner. Find this 1965 Chevrolet Corvair V8 offered for $7000 near Reno, NV via craigslist. Tip from Rock On!
The Chevrolet Corvair was a world changing car when introduced in 1960. Its combination of subtle styling, aircooled alloy flat-6 out back and unibody construction was a fantastic machine that was the unfortunate recipient of the attention of a savvy young lawyer/politician named Ralph Nader who needed to make a name for himself. But if […]
What would a day be like without a crazy V8 Corversion on Daily Turismo — NOT A NORMAL DAY THAT IS FOR SURE. WHY ARE YOU SHOUTING? I DON’T KNOW, IT JUST SEEMS LIKE THIS SHOULD BE IN ALL CAPS…BUT FOR SOME REASON THE CRAIGSLIST AD ISN’T IN ALL CAPS, SO I FELT I SHOULD RUN […]
This next car comes from Rock On who writes: For all those readers that say “ I am holding out for a 1988” or “I would buy it if it was a 1988”! Yeah, that’s right..and with all this nonsense about the 2020 Vette going mid-engine, my reply is GM already did a Mid-Engine Vette…and it […]
Many engine and body swapped Fiero’s have graced the pages of DT. What is it about the Fiero that gives off the Rodney Dangerfield no respect persona? For starters, the highest level 2.8 60 HO V6 was fine in the 1980’s, but hardly cuts the mustard by 2018 standards. The final year 1988 cars are […]
The term “oh pooh” handle is welcome addition to the passenger side a-pillar to many modern vehicles — typically SUV’s and the sort that might induce pants staining excitement near the edge of a cliff…but I’ve never seen a full BMX bike style handlebar setup for the passenger until this mid-engine Corvair hit our tips […]