Vehicle Description
1967 Chevrolet Corvair 500 Coupe
Introduced in 1960, the Corvair shattered Detroit's conventional
car mold. It was GM's first unit-body car mass-produced within the
US. It beat Corvette to market as the first American postwar car to
feature front and rear independent suspensions. And the Corvair
became the first mass-produced domestic car to tout a rear-mounted
air-cooled engine. That alone was staggering, to say nothing of the
fact that it was also a compact car that fit snugly into a rapidly
growing market. Conventional wisdom might suggest that such an
unconventional car would muster only marginal sales, but such was
not the case. In just one season, dealers sold 250,007 Corvairs in
three trim levels, which was good for third place behind Falcon and
Rambler and well ahead of the other compacts.
For consignment a Corvair from 1967 with a new electronic ignition,
a new gas tank and sending unit, new heater hoses and a new
alternator. Chevrolet's answer to the European invasion with a rear
engine sports car.
Exterior
Bathed in an Ermine White respray, we note several areas of concern
on the rust angle. Mainly on the rear quarters before and aft the
wheel wells and surrounding the wheel wells there is invasive rust
some of has been haphazardly repaired. Also, within the trunk
(hood) hinge areas there is some peeling of the metal going on.
Body panels remain straight, and chrome and trim are fairly clean
and shiny. Glass is all clear all around and standard Corvair wheel
covers are all around.
Interior
The non-original interior in black vinyl is still kicking with
nicely preserved door panels. The optional front bench has suffered
the test of time with now most of it wrapped in black tape to keep
the vinyl from losing the foam stuffing. This is particularly
evident on the driver's seat, as well as the passenger rear side of
the bench in back. Some mold is present on the rear seat, and
driver rear side panel, and some damage to the cardboard "deck"
behind the rear seat. The original black painted angled down and in
dash front has the deep inset round gauges, heating and airflow
controls, and the transmission shifter within the dash vertically.
It appears the original radio is in however does not function but
does crackle when you turn it on. Headliner is nice in a darker
gray corduroy and the floors are flooded with black carpet which is
in good condition. A note to the front trunk area there is some
rust noted most likely from a leaky master cylinder which is tucked
against the firewall and also shows a rust covered reservoir.
Drivetrain
Appearing nice and clean, this 164ci 6-cylinder engine with dual
1-barrel Rochester carburetors, has a 2-speed Powerglide automatic
transmission attached as well as a 3.55 rear axle.
Undercarriage
Some surface rust with an area of concern on the drivers rear tub
to the trunk where invasive rust is creating a crack in the metal.
Floorpans were repaired, and in the edges of the repairs we note
some re-cracking. The lower engine cover is nice and shiny black
just like the topside which leads me to believe this engine may
have been restored at one point as it is cleaner than the other
characteristics of this car. Drum brakes are on all 4's.
Drive-Ability
After a sputtery warmup period this car did run and idle smooth. It
accelerated effortlessly and shifted smoothly. A few creaks in the
sharp turns but is has a nice low ride. I found the heater to be
inoperable, and the radio crackled but did not tune any stations
in.
A classic that is in need of a loving home to give it some TLC body
and interior wise. Mechanically strong, this ubiquitous Corvair is
here for the looking and taking in the halls of Classic Auto Mall.
Who cares about Ralph Nader!
VIN Decode
101377W100574
1-Chevrolet
01-500 Trim
37-Coupe
7-1967
W-Willow Run, MI Assy Plant
100574-Sequential Unit Number
Trim Tag
09A-1st Week September 1966 Build
ST 67 10137-1967 Corvair 500 Coupe
BDY WRN281-Willow Run Body #
TR 751-Red
PNT C-Ermine White
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 500 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.