In a message dated 98-04-30 23:55:01 EDT, William.Elliott@mail.mei.com writes:
<< Technically and historically, they are
one of the most interesting American cars ever. First rear engine, first
extensive use of aluminum, first modern air-cooled engine, first high
production turbocharged car, first common use of floor shift and bucket seats
in a non-sports car.
In 1965, the entire car was redone,
resulting in a fully independent suspension similar to the Corvette. Handling
is world-class.
They were the kind of cars America should have built in the 70's, but didn't.
If you get a chance to drive one sometime,
give it a try. (Only a handful in Oz.... never made any RHD models.)
Corvairs were completely exonerated after years of investigations and court
cases in 1972, three years after production ended.
I guess in summary: the technical and historical aspects, the "underdog"
image,
the uniqueness, and the sheer driving enjoyment. Did I mention they're
extremely undervalued as well? They tend to multiply.
Bill,
Well said!!
I have always thought that the Corvair never got the respect it deserved. As
you point out, it really was quite remarkable from a technical standpoint. I
had a 65, 140 horse Monza. I drove it for about a year, in the early 70's.
Back then, the trick setup for all the muscle car people was to use the
mufflers from the turbo-Corvair. Run the 2-1/2" pipe from the headers back to
the turbo mufflers, which had the 2-1/2" size on the "in" end of the muffler,
and the same size, or maybe 2-1/4", I can't remember for sure, on the "out"
end. You ended up with a nice, large diameter exhaust system without having
to resort to glasspacks. I used one of those mufflers on my TR-4A for a long
time!
In the current issue of Hemmings, there is a 66 Yenko Stinger convertible for
sale. Asking price is $32,500!!
Rich Rock
64 TR4
65 TR4A-IRS
67 TR4A...parts for sale
70 TVR VIXEN
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