[Rev]

Originally posted by Mr 5 0


the Chevrolet Corvair, an early front-wheel drive econocar.

Actually, the Chevrolet Corvair was a rear engine, rear drive vehicle with an aluminum, air cooled, pancake 6cyl. engine. Some of the later "Corvair Spiders" (Monzas?) had 2 carbs, 4 speed and dual exhaust. I think they were rated at around 180 HP and were pretty quick for the day. Nader did pretty much kill it with his book "Unsafe at Any Speed", that SOB.

The American public was not used to the weight distibution of a rear engine car and accidents did occur. Swing-axle rear suspensions didn't help either. Same with Volkswagen beetles and some Porsches that had the swing axle rear susp[ension. The Corvair may have had some other handling issues as well, but it was kind of a neat little car IMHO. The Falcon was introduced by Ford as a direct result and as a competitor to the Corvair.

I think the Corvair came out in about 1960.

Rev