The Chevrolet Corvair is a compact car manufactured by Chevrolet for the 1960-1969 model year. It is the only specially designed, mass-produced passenger car to use an air-cooled engine mounted on the back.
The Corvair model includes a two-door coupe, convertible, four-door sedan, four-door station wagon, passenger van, commercial van, and pickup truck variant.
Contemporary competitors include Volkswagen Beetle, Ford Falcon, Plymouth Valiant, Studebaker Lark, and Rambler American.
Corvair's reputation and heritage were influenced by controversy over his handling: the car was scrutinized in Ralph's 1965 book "Unsafe at Any Speed", GM's top management used unethical acts in response to its allegations, and 1972 Safety commission report Texas A & amp; M University for the Traffic Safety Administration of the National Highway found that Corvair 1960-1963 did not have greater potential for losing control in extreme situations than his contemporaries.
The name "Corvair" is a portmanteau of Corvette and Bel Air. The name was first applied in 1954 to a Corvette-based concept with a hardtop-style roof that is part of Motorama's travel exhibition.
Video Chevrolet Corvair
History
In 1952, Ed Cole was promoted to chief engineer of Chevrolet Motor Division. Four years later, in July 1956, he was appointed general manager of Chevrolet - GM's largest automotive division - and vice president of General Motors. At Chevrolet, Cole encouraged many of the major engineering and design advances introduced in Chevrolet's line of cars and trucks between 1955 and 1962. He is a force behind the development and production of air-cooled Corvair. Despite its famous history, Corvair is a car that is obsessed with his time. As chief engineer, he is heavily involved in the development of the Corvette sports car. He is also known as the "father" of the Chevy V8 small block, one of the most famous machines in American automotive history.
Until 1960, the Big Three American domestic automakers (General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler) produced only one basic size of passenger cars: large. However, a successful segment of the modern "compact car" market was established in the US in 1950 by Nash Rambler. In addition, imports from Europe, such as Volkswagen, Renault, and Fiat, show that demand exists in the US for small cars, often as a second or alternative car for budget-minded consumers. While the Big Three continued to introduce larger cars during the 1950s, the newly formed American Motors Corporation (AMC) focused its business strategy on smaller and fuel-efficient cars, years before their real needs existed. Because it is a small company compared to the US Big Three producers, AMC positions itself as a "dinosaur-fighter" and a compact Rambler model rises to third place among domestic car sales. American Motors also re-modeled its predecessor, Nash, as the "new" 1958 Rambler American for the second model, a phenomenon that is almost unheard of in car history. In 1959, Studebaker followed the AMC formula by reviving the bread-and-butter sedan, calling it Lark and charging it as a compact. The Lark gave Studebaker a pause for several years before the company stopped production of the car in 1966.
During 1959 and 1960, three major car makers were planning to introduce their own "compact" car. Ford and Chrysler designs are scaled-down versions of conventional American cars, using four or six cylinder engines instead of V8, and with bodies about 20% smaller than their standard cars.
The exception to this strategy is Chevrolet Corvair. Led by Cole General Manager, Chevrolet designed a new car that deviates from traditional American design standards. This car is powered by an air-cooled horizontal six-cylinder engine built with many main components made of aluminum. The engine is mounted on the rear of the car, moving the rear wheels through a compact transaxle. Suspension is independent on all four wheels. No conventional chassis is used, being the first unibody built by Fisher Body. The tires are a completely new and low-profile design. Unconventional style for Detroit: smooth and elegant, with no tail or chrome grille. His technique got many patents, while Time magazine put Ed Cole and Corvair on the cover, and Motor Trend named Corvair as "Car of the Year" 1960.
Overview
Sales of Corvair exceeded 200,000 for each of the first six models of the year. The rear engine design offers packaging and economic advantages, providing a car with a lower silhouette, flat passenger compartment floors, no need for power assist, and improved rider quality, traction, and braking balance. The design also attracts customers from other brands, especially imports. Corvair stands out, with a technique that is significantly different from other American offerings. It uses the Z-body GM, with engine-driven design and engineering, the rear-wheel drive layout pioneered by the car including the Tatra 77, Tucker Torpedo, Fiat 500, Porsche 356, Volkswagen Beetle, Renault Dauphine, Subaru 360, and NSU Prinz - and employed by the concurrent and short-lived Hino Contessa.
The Corvair powerplant is a top-valve aluminum, air-cooled 140  ° c at (2.3 Ã,  ° C) flat-six (then enlarged, first up to 145 and later to 164 cubic inches). The first Corvair engine produced 80 hp (60 kW, 81 PS). Power culminated with the Corsa 1965-66 turbocharged option 180Ã, hp (134Ã,¬W, 182Ã, PS). The rear axle suspension of the first generation model swing, invented and patented by engineer Edmund Rumpler, offers a comfortable ride but raises security issues associated with the stability of car handling, and was replaced in 1965 with independent rear suspension completely similar to the Corvette Sting Ray.
Corvair represents several breakthroughs in design for Detroit mass production vehicles, with 1,786,243 cars manufactured between 1960 and 1969.
First generation (1960-1964)
The Corvair 569 and 769 series four 1960 sedan conceived as an economy car offer several facilities to keep prices competitive, with 500 (standard models) selling for under $ 2,000. Powered by a 680 hp (60 kW; 81 PS) Turbo Air engine and a three-speed manual or optional two-speed Powerglide manual transmission, the Corvair is designed to have an acceleration comparable to the full-sized Biscayne six-cylinder Chevrolet. Unique Corvair designs include independent suspension "Quadri-Flex" and "Unipack Power Team" from engine, transmission, and rear axle combined into one unit. Similar to European car designs such as Porsche, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, and others, "Quadri-Flex" uses coil springs on all four wheels with independent rear suspension sleeves incorporated in the rear. Specially designed 6.5 by 13 inches. Four-tiered tires mounted on 13-inch wheels with a width of 5.5 are standard equipment. Available options include RPO 360, two-speed automatic Powerglide transmission ($ 146), RPO 118, gasoline heater ($ 74), RPO 119, AM tube radio ($ 54), and in February 1960, 32) is the standard. Chevrolet produced 47,683 569 models and 139,208 769 luxury sedan models in 1960. In January 1960, two two-door coupe models were introduced as the 527 and 727 models. Following the success of the high-end "Mr. and Mrs. Monza" concept car at the 1960 Chicago Auto Show , management approved DeLuxe wrinkled seats are neatly arranged from the 900 series Monza as a two-door club coupe only. This model began to arrive on the showroom floor in April 1960. Despite the late introduction of the coupe in late January, these cars sold well; approximately 14,628 basic models of 527 coupes, 36,562 deluxe 727 coupe, and 11,926 927 monza club coupes, making the coupe one of the most popular Corvairs.
Sales figures are disclosed to Chevrolet's management that the Corvair is more of a special car than a conventionally-designed competitor of Ford Falcon or Chrysler's Valiant. Corvair is not competitive in the economic segment. Chevrolet started a design program that produced a compact car with a conventional spatial, Chevy II, for the 1962 model.
The options available at Corvair introduced in February 1960 are RPO 649, a more powerful engine, "Super Turbo Air". Super Turbo Air rated 95 hp (71 kW, 96 PS) at 4,800 rpm and 125 ft-lb at 2,800 rpm due to revised camshaft, revised double-cylinder head cylinder, and lower restriction exhaust with outlet 2 ". available in Corvair model, but in 1960, RPO 649 was not available with RPO 360, Powerglide automatic transmission.
The advertised February introduction of a fully synchronized four-speed RPO 651 transmission was delayed until the 1961 model year. This was due to a casting problem with a three-speed aluminum transmission case which resulted in technical service bulletins for dealers suggesting a potential differential failure due to external leakage at the front of the counter gear shaft transmission. A four-speed transmission revision intended for the introduction of 1961 incorporates a cast iron case and a redesign of the differential pinion shaft for interfacing with a longer transmission output shaft and concentric pilot for a revised transmission case. This is one of the course corrections done by Chevrolet at the end of the 1960 model year.
The Corvair is the Car of the Year Motor Trend for 1960.
In 1961, Chevrolet introduced Monza's upscale trim to a four-door sedan and coupe club style body. With the newly introduced four-tiered transmission, DeLuxe vinyl vinyl seats, and upscale trim, Monza Club Coupe gained sales, as nearly 110,000 were produced along with 33,745 monza four-door sedans. Four speed Monza attracted the attention of the younger market and is sometimes referred to as the "Porsche of the poor" in various car magazines. The Monza series contributed about half of Corvair's sales in 1961.
A station wagon, marketed as Lakewood, joined the ranks in 1961 with its engine located under the cargo floor and offers a cargo space of 68Ã, ftÃ,³ (1.9Ã, mÃ,³); 58Ã, ftÃ,³ in the main passenger compartment, and 10Ã, ftÃ,³ others in the front trunk. The Corvair engine received its first size increase to 145Ã, cuÃ, at (2.4Ã,  ° C) through a slight increase in bore size and rated at 98Ã, hp (73Ã, kW, 99Ã, PS). The base engine is still rated at 80 hp (60 kW; 81 PS) when paired with a manual transmission and 84 hp (63 kW, 85 PS) when mated to an optional automatic transmission in the Monza model. To increase luggage capacity in the front luggage, the spare tire is moved to the engine compartment (in an airless car) and a new "direct air" heater directs warm air from the cylinder and into the passenger compartment. Gasoline heater remained available as an option until 1963. The factory air conditioner was offered as an introduction to the mid-1961 option. The condenser is lying flat on top of the horizontal engine fan. A large green painted rotation version of the standard GM Frigidaire air conditioning compressor is used, and evaporator housing is added under the dash with integrated outlets that surround the radio house. Air conditioning is not available in carriages, Greenbrier/Corvair 95, or turbocharged models introduced later, due to space limitations. Chevrolet also introduced Corvair 95 rows of light-duty trucks and vans, using a Corvair Powerpack with advanced controls, or "top cabin", with drivers sitting on the front wheels, as in Volkswagen Type 2.
Greenbrier Sportswagon uses the same body as the panel van "Corvan 95" with side window option, but it is marketed as a station wagon and is available with trim and paint options similar to passenger cars. The model "Corvan 95" is also built in a pickup version; Loadside was a fairly common pickup in that era, except for the rear engine, the forward control, and the hole in the middle of the bed. The more popular rampside, which has a unique little folding ramp on the side of the bed for easy loading of wheeled goods.
In 1962, Chevrolet introduced Corvairs with some changes earlier in the year. Subway series 500 down station is dropped and 700 becomes base station wagon. The name "Lakewood" was dropped. The ever popular Monza line then takes the cart model to complete the top of the line. In the spring of 1962, Chevrolet committed to the sporty image they had created for Corvair by introducing a convertible version, then offered a 150-hp (112-kW; 152 PS) turbocharged "Spyder" option for the Monza and convertible coupe, making Corvair the production car both supplied with turbochargers as factory options, with Oldsmobile F-85 Turbo Jetfire which was released earlier in 1962. The Corvair station wagon was stopped at that time to support the new Corvair Convertible and Chevy II (built in the same assembly plant). Slow pickup Loadside is stopped at the end of model year. The remaining Corvair line 95 Continued Control vehicles continue. Optional equipment on all passenger cars (except wagons) includes metallic brake lining and heavy duty suspension consisting of front antiroll bars, rear axle straps, revised spring rates, and re-calibrated shock absorbers. This provides a great handling improvement by reducing camber changes that potentially damage the rear wheels while making sharp turns at high speeds. The Spyder Turbocharged equipment group features a multigauge instrument cluster that includes a tachometer, cylinder head temperature, and intake manifold pressure gauge, Spyder fender script, and a Turbo logo board emblem, in addition to a high-performance machine.
Monza Coupe is the most popular model with 151,738 produced from 292,531 total production of Corvair passenger cars for 1962. Corvair quickly became the lover of the sports car crowd. The aftermarket company offers a variety of accessories for the Corvair, ranging from imitation front grille to serious performance improvements such as extra carburetors, superchargers, and exhaust performance and suspension upgrades. One of the most successful American racers, John Fitch, chose Corvair as the base for his "Sprint" model. They are built in his shop in Connecticut by adding various performance improvements along with a unique styling touch. Individual components are also available through its mail-order business. Some Chevrolet dealers become authorized Sprint dealers who can install their conversions.
The 1963 model has an optional 3.08 gear availability that is long for better fuel economy, but Corvair remains largely fixed with trim changes and small techniques. New self-adjusting brakes for 1963. The Monza line really proves its worth. Of all the Corvairs sold in 1963, fully 80% was Monzas. Convertible models accounted for more than 20% of all Monzas sold.
For 1964, significant engineering changes took place, while model and styling models remained relatively unchanged. Engine displacement increased from 145 to 164Ã, Â ° c (2.4-27Ã, Â ° C) by stroke increase. The base engine strength increased from 80 to 95 hp (60 to 71 kW; 81 to 96 PS), and high performance engines increased from 95 to 110 hp (71 to 82 kW, 96 to 112 PS). The Spyder's engine rating stays at 150 hp (112 kW; 152 PS) despite an increase in engine displacement. In 1964, the rear axle rear suspension of the car occurred with the addition of a transverse leaf springs along with rear coil springs designed to reduce the rear stiffness of the rear and encourage a more neutral handling. The spring speed can now be softer at both ends of the car than the previous model. The heavy-duty suspension is no longer optional, though all models now have front antiroll bars as standard. Brakes are enhanced with finned drum rear. The remaining Pickup, Rampside, was terminated at the end of model year.
Although the 1964 model greatly improved, Corvair's sales decreased nearly 80,000 units that year. This is attributed to a number of factors, including the basic 5-year-old styling, the lack of a pillarless hardtop (almost all compact models that compete), the lack of a V8 engine, and the introduction of the Ford Mustang on April 17, which broke all new model sales records and consuming Corvair sales). Second generation (1965-1969) Second generation >
The second generation Corvair arrived for the 1965 model, noted for the lack of a new "B" pillar and a new independent suspension that replaced the original rear axle rear suspension. Corvair uses per spring in every wheel.
Car and Driver magazine David E. Davis Jr. showed enthusiasm for Corvair 1965 in their October 1964 edition:
"And it is also here, that we should go on record and say that the Corvair is - in our opinion - the most important new car of the entire '65 model plant, and the most beautiful car appeared in this country since before World War II. When the photos of Corvair '65 arrived at our office, the person who opened the envelope actually issued a shout of excitement and amazement when he first saw the car, and in thirty seconds the entire staff was charging, each wanting to be the first to show everyone else, each wanting a representative hearing kick that is the hallmark of the war of the first audience. "" Our passion has cooled a bit when we had to drive - then we went crazy again, new rear suspension, new spring rates softer in front, bigger brakes, some more power addition, all these factors make us drive like idiots - flipping through lo op handling dragging each other, standing on the brakes - until we have to be reluctant to turn the car into some other impatient journalist... The '65 Corvair is an amazing car. Not fast enough, but we love it. "
The standard 95 hp engine (71 kW, 96 PS) and optional 110 hp (82 kW, 112 PS) were brought forward from 1964. The previous 150 hp Spyder machine (112 kW, 152 PS) was replaced with 140 hp which is usually aspirated. (104Ã, kW; 142Ã, PS) for the new Corsa. The machine was unusual in offering four single throat carburettors, which added a larger valve and dual exhaust system. A 180Ã, turbocharged engine (134Ã, kW; 182 PS) is optional on Corsa, which offers a standard three-speed three-speed manual transmission or optional (US $ 92). The 140 hp (104 kW; 142 PS) engine is optional on the 500 and Monza models with a manual transmission or Powerglide. All engines get some heavy duty internal parts from Turbocharged engines for better durability.
New improvements appeared on the 1965 redesign. Corsa came standard with an instrument panel featuring a 140 mph speedometer (230 km/h) with a trip reset odometer, a 6,000 rpm odometer, a cylinder head temperature gauge, an analog clock with a second sweep, a vacuum/meter gauge manifold and fuel gauge. A much better heating system, larger brakes borrowed from Chevelle, more powerful differential ring gears, Delcotron alternators (replacing generators), and significant chassis improvements made. Outside the rear, the new fully articulated rear suspension virtually eliminated the dangers of the previous generation of swinging axles, and is based on the contemporary Sting Ray Corvette (Corvair uses coil springs while Sting Ray uses transverse leaves). The AM/FM stereo radio, the All-Air dash, adjustable telescopic steering column, and the Chassis Special Purpose ("Z17" handling package, which consists of a special performance suspension and quick ratio steering box, are significant new options for 1965. Monza and Corvair 500 Sport Sedans is the only compact car ever in the US as a four-door hardtop with no pillars.
At this time, station wagons, van panels and body style pickups have been lowered and 1965 is the last year for the Greenbrier window vans, which are maintained primarily for fleet orders, with 1,528 currently under construction. In total, 235,528 Corvairs was built in 1965, rising 30,000 units during 1964. Chevrolet replaced the Corvair-based vans with Chevrolet Sportvan/GMC Handi-Van, which uses a traditional front-engine/rear-drive axle borrowed from Chevy II.
The 1966 lineup remains essentially unchanged from 1965. One note change is a new four-speed synchromesh transmission using standard Saginaw dental gear with the first gear ratio of 3.11: 1 used by other GM 6 cylinder vehicles. The steering column is converted into a two-part design with a universal connection, reducing the intrusion hazard during front-end collisions (in fact mid-1965 current changes). A plastic air dam is installed below the front valence panel to hide the front suspension and underbody, and reduce cross sensitivity. In the front, the "locking door" symbol (covering the key for the trunk lock) is changed from red to blue and displays a shorter bar. The air-conditioned car receives a new condenser mounted on the front of the engine, eliminating the previously efficient but large, awkward condenser mounted above the engine, which requires removal out of the way for most minors. The Corvair script board name is moved from the top of the trunk lid to the position next to the driver's side light bezel. Sales began to decline as a result of Nader's book and the new Mustang offering V8 up to 271 hp (202 kW; 275 PS) compared to a 180 hp (134 kW, 182 PS) powertrain. and rumors about the upcoming "Panther" - the code name for the upcoming Camaro, which is scheduled as a direct competitor to Mustang. The decision was made to stop the further development of Corvair. Production for the model year dropped to 103,743.
In 1967, the Corvair line was trimmed to 500 and the Monza Hardtop Coupe and Hardtop Sedan, and Monza Convertible. The year of this model is the first with a folded steering column. A dual-cylinder master circuit with warning lights, nylon reinforced brake hoses, stronger steel door hinges (not aluminum), instrument panel buttons "mushroomed" and vinyl-eyed day/night mirrors are all made with standard equipment. The bucket seats in the Monza model now have the same "Astro" style as the one on the new Camaro for 1967, featuring a new thin-shell design. Chevrolet introduced 50,000 mi (80,000 km) engine warranty on all Chevrolet models including Corvair. Chevrolet was still actively marketing Corvair in 1967, including color print advertisements and "I Love My Corvair" bumper sticker campaigns, but production and sales continued to fall drastically. Only 27,253 copies were built.
In 1968, a four-door hardtop was stopped, leaving three models - the 500 and the Monza Hardtop Coupe and Monza Convertible. Air conditioning was dropped as an option, due to concerns about thermal loads being added by the current Air Injection Reactor ("smoke pump") that may hurt sales because factory air becomes more popular generally in cars. The GM multiplex stereo system was also discontinued when new units changed the wiring adapter; The 9-pin Corvair connector no longer matches the new unit. Additional safety features, including side marker lights, and belts for closed models, are installed in accordance with federal government requirements. The steering wheel for the 500s is the same as Nova's base, while Monzas gets the same wheels as the Camaro. The Impala-style "Deluxe" steering wheel is optional. All ads almost stopped and sales dropped to 15,400.
The last model of 1969 Corvairs was collected with Nova in Willow Run, Michigan, the same facility Corvairs had built since its inception. A total of 6,000 Corvairs were produced which only 521 were Convertible Monza. Corvair was the only GM GM 1969 that did not get the steering column lock. The demand for Novas was high and a decision was made in November 1968 to move the Corvair assembly to a special off-line area at the factory, dubbed the "Corvair Room", making Corvairs produced between that time and May 14, 1969 essentially hand-built by the Corvair team. dedicated. The assembled body arrives from the Fisher Body and awaits assembly in the off-line area.
End of production
While the 1965 Corvair was accepted as a well-engineered high-performance rider car, the achievement was overshadowed by the phenomenal Ford Mustang's market success. GM sees the advantage on Ford's adopted route with the Mustang, a four-seat semi-coupe body on a standard compact chassis (Falcon) with a small and four-stroke V8 motor is offered as a power option. Corvair is not cheap to produce; developing and marketing Mustang-style sport cruisers based on the Nova platform has a cost advantage. Unlike Corvair, sports cruisers can evolve in the standard line of GM technology as the competition (which in the category of sedan sports from Corvair means BMW) demands. The 1965 publication of Unsafe at Any Speed ​​distorts the reputation of the Corvair line, although the problem has nothing to do with the current model. Under the competition from Mustangs and publicity hit sales of Unsafe, Corvair fell by more than half in 1966. GM sees the future in the Camaro, not Corvair.
According to GM historian Dave Newell, Chevrolet has planned to end Corvair's production after the 1966 model. The development and engineering changes were discontinued in 1966 on a second generation redesigned car with the first generation with emissions mandates and federal security changes made thereafter. The lack of interest from the company, especially from Chevrolet General Manager John DeLorean, and the absence of Corvair ads after 1967 reflect the company's priorities, including the promotion of three redesigned models for 1968 - Corvette, Chevelle and Chevy II Nova. Corvair was named a "ghost" by Car Life magazine in their 1968 Monza road test, and in 1969 the four-page Chevvlet brochure Corvair was "on request only". During the last year of production, 6,000 cars were produced.
Chevrolet has proposed a third-generation Corvair (1970s-on), which is essentially a re-shell of the 1965-69 model that resembles GM A Body 1973 intermediates, especially the Pontiac Grand Am 1973, which retains Corvair's proportions. After passing the point of full-scale clay model, Chevrolet stopped developing the model in early 1968. Unlike the Turbo Hydramatic 400, the 350 Hydramatic Turbo transmission, introduced to the 1968 Camaro and later adopted by most of the Chevrolet models has been configured for use in third-generation Corvair.
Maps Chevrolet Corvair
Troubleshooting
The first-generation Corvair featured a rear-wheel drive design similar to Renault Dauphine and Volkswagen Beetle - a design that eliminates the universal connection of the wheel and keeps the rear wheels perpendicular to the half-axis. The design can allow the rear tire to experience large camber angle changes when cornering quickly because the g-force side causes the camber to "rebound" and reduce the tread contact with the road surface, resulting in the loss of the rear wheel grip and the oversteer - dynamically unstable conditions in which the driver can lose control and spin. The problem is most severe with the combination of the rear axle of the engine because of the greater inertia mass on the rear wheels and the higher center of gravity during the rebound camber condition. The high added weight of the station wagon also exacerbates the trend. Oversteer is aggravated by deceleration during cornering due to increased g-force and light lift on the rear lift-off oversteer. Understanding is common in front-car engines, because it is heavier, and inertia, on the front tires. Both conditions are dangerous when the car is pushed at the cornering boundary. Design options for improving swing axle handling:
- Anti-roll bar: As a production option, engineers have advocated but management has rejected the inclusion of the front bar anti-roll bar in the original Corvair 1960, which will improve the handling car - heavy load transfer to front tire, greatly reducing the back slip angle - thereby avoiding potential oversteer.
- Different tire pressures: Like Renault Dauphine and pre-1968 Volkswagen Beetle, Corvair engineers rely on a free tire pressure differential to eliminate overbeer characteristics - low rear tire pressure front and height - a strategy that induces the understeer (increasing the front slip angle faster than the back). However, this strategy offers significant losses: owners and mechanics can accidentally but easily reintroduce oversteer characteristics by overly inflating the front tires (eg, typical pressure for other cars with other more common suspension systems). The suggested low front tire pressure also disrupts the tire load capacity.
While the Corvair sedan offers competent handling, "the average buyer is more accustomed to the front-engine car, does not take into account the different characteristics of car handling." Chevrolet made a series of improvements on the first generation Corvair suspension. For the 1962 model, the front anti-roll bar became available as an option. For the 1964 model, the front anti-roll bar became standard equipment and the rear suspension was modified to include a compensating camber, a wide transverse leaf spacing between the rear wheels to limit the alteration of the rear camber wheel, and carrying a lot of rear weight combined with coil springs softer.
For the 1965 model year, Corvair received a completely independent rear suspension very similar to the contemporary Corvette. The redesigned suspension reduces the center of the rear rolls by half from the previous height, using a fully articulated half axis that offers constant camber on the rear tires in all driving situations. This almost eliminates the problem of handling the first generation model.
Legal fall
Consumer protection activist Ralph Nader discusses the first-generation Corvair handling problem (1960-1963) in his 1965 book, Unsafe at Any Speed ​​. GM has more than 100 pending lawsuits relating to accidents involving Corvair, which later became the starting material for Nader's investigation. The book highlights accidents linked to the Corvair suspension and identifies Chevrolet suspension engineers who have struggled management decisions to remove - for cost reasons - the front anti-sway bar mounted on later models. Nader said during the next Congress hearing, Corvair was "the prime candidate for the most insecure car title". Subsequently, Corvair's sales fell from 220,000 in 1965 to 109,880 in 1966. In 1968 production fell to 14,800. The public response to the book played a role in the Traffic Safety and National Motor Vehicle Act of 1966.
A 1972 safety commission report by Texas A & amp; M University concludes that Corvair 1960-1963 has no greater potential for losing control than its contemporary contenders in extreme situations. The US Department of Transport (DOT) issued a press release in 1972 describing the findings of NHTSA testing from the previous year. NHTSA has conducted a series of comparative tests in 1971 studying the 1963 Corvair handling and four contemporary cars - Ford Falcon, Plymouth Valiant, Volkswagen Beetle, and Renault Dauphine - along with second generation Corvair (with a completely redesigned, independent rear suspension). The 143 page report reviews NHTSA extreme conditions handling tests, national crash data for test cars and General Motors internal documentation on Corvair handling. NHTSA went on to contract an independent advisory panel of engineers to review the tests. This review panel concludes that "Corvair 1960-63 is better than the contemporary vehicles used in testing [...] Corvair 1960-63's handling and stability performance does not generate abnormal potential for loss of control or rollover, and that's at least as good as the performance of some vehicles contemporary both foreign and domestic. "Former GM executive John DeLorean asserted in his book On Clear Day You Can See General Motors that Nader's criticisms apply.
Journalist David E. Davis, in a 2009 article in Car Magazine, notes that despite Nader's claim that the rear aft rear suspension is dangerous, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Tatra and Volkswagen all use the same swing- the concept of axis during that era. (The handling of other rear-wheeled swing-wheel cars, especially Volkswagen Type I and II, has been criticized as well.) Some argue that the lack of automotive engineering degrees or driver licenses at the time he wrote Unsafe at Any Speed ​​< disqualifies him as an automotive safety critic. In response to Nader's book, Mechanix Illustrated a Tom McCahill reviewer tried to get Corvair 1963 to flip, at one point slid into the curb, but was unable to hand over the vehicle.
Reception
Time featured Ed Cole and Corvair 1960 on its cover for the introduction of the Corvair in 1959 and said: "Fresh engineering is hailed as the pioneer of a new era of innovation in Detroit." Time was reported in 1960: Chevrolet sold 26,000 Corvairs the first two days on the market, taking over 35% of Chevy's two-day total of 75,000. Chevrolet intends to sell one Corvair for every five Chevrolet. In March 1960, Corvair comprised 13% of Chevrolet's sales. Shortly after its introduction, Corvair faced competition from Ford Falcon and Mercury Comet and was troubled by the problem - though according to a 1960 Time report, "many small bugs often strike a completely new car." Problems include the engine cooling fan belt that tends to burst its 2-axle pulleys (unless the fan runs continuously, the air-cooled engine gets too hot and seized), the carburetor layer and poor fuel mileage "that sometimes runs well under 20 mpg " The 1960 gasoline heating model is called a problem, which can take up to one liter of gas per hour - with Chevrolet engineers quickly modifying the Corvair carburetor to boost the economy.
Trend Motor awarded Corvair "Car of the Year" for 1960.
Greenbrier Sportswagon
Corvair also comes in both van and pickup versions, both on the rear loader and side-loader, in addition to the cart and coupe.
Production notes
Production factory
All locations are only cars, except as mentioned:
- Willow Run Assembly, Willow Run, MI 1960-69
- Leeds Assembly Plant, Kansas City, MO 1960-61
- Oakland Assembly, Oakland, CA 1960-63
- Van Nuys Assembly Van Nuys, CA 1963, 1965 & amp; 1966
- St. Louis Truck Assembly, St. Louis, MO 1961-65 (FCs)
- Flint Truck, Flint, MI 1961-64 (FCs) Assembly
- Assembling Mobil Oshawa, Oshawa, Ontario 1960-66
- Mexico City 1961-63 (CKD)
- Caracas, Venezuela 1960-62 (CKD)
- Bienne, Switzerland 1960-67 (CKD)
- Antwerpen, Belgium 1960-67 (CKD)
- Copenhagen, Denmark 1960-61
- Port Elizabeth, South Africa 1960-62 (All 1960 CKD models)
Willow Run, Kansas City, Oakland, and Van Nuys are Chevrolet's assembly plants with adjacent Fisher Body factories.
St. Louis and Flint are Chevrolet truck factories, although Chevy has a full-size car manufacturer in both towns and St. Louis factory is adjacent.
Oshawa operated by GM Canada Ltd.
The CKD plant is operated by GM Overseas Operations (GMOO).
Model designation
500 - Corvair's basic model with the lowest trim level. Always come with a rubber pad, bench seat, and a little trim.
700 - the next trim level rises from the 500 model. These models are also equipped with rubber mats and bench seats but have a bit slimmer (this model was discontinued after 1964).
Lakewood - Corvair station wagon (1961-62) is available as 500 or 700. The Monza train is available in 1962 and not really Lakewood. All windows are special for this model because of the higher roofline.
Monza (900) - the top of the trim line for 1960-1963 only. In 1964, it was under the spy of Monza, who is now a model of his own. For the 1965-66 model year, Monza ranks under Corsa at trim level. After the Corsa model was dropped, Monza once again became the top of the Corvair line for 1967-1969. Monzas usually come with bucket seats (although special bench seats are available in a few years). Monzas has carpets and special trim packages.
Spyder - Monza's spy was the package of choice during 1962-63, and in 1964 became a full model. It is equipped with turbocharged 150Ã, hp (112Ã, kW; 152Ã, PS), "full instrumentation", special emblems, and all trim items "Monza".
Corsa - top of the line sport model for 1965-66. It is the only model available with optional 180Ã, hp (134Ã,kW; 182 PS) turbocharged flat-six. The base engine is a new four-valve carburettor engine 140-hp (104-kW; 142Ã, PS) "big valve". Corsas has a "full instrumentation", special emblems, and trims with a special "striped" and striped silver cove rear area in the 1965 model. The optional 180Ã, hp engine provides power upgrades over 1,964 150 hp of the same displacement slightly enlarge the carburetor, and increase the size of the internal blades and turbine blades.
Corvan (95) - Corvair panel van available from 1961 to 1964
Greenbrier - window van available 1961-1965
Rampside - Pickup Corvair with inclination on one side is available 1961-1964
Loadside - rampside style but no ramp available 1961-62
Deluxe - optional package for upgraded interior and trim available on some "van" models
F.C. (forward control) - the term Chevy applied to all models of the Corvair van 95 which indicates that the driver and the forward control from the front wheel
Concept car
Corvair spawned a number of innovative concept vehicles including the Corvair SS, Monza GT, Monza SS, Astro I. In Europe, the Italian coachbuilder Bertone designed a very sophisticated one-off prototype for the 1963 Geneva Motor Show, The Corvair "Testudo". This is one of the first designs of Giorgetto Giugiaro, the main designer at Bertone at the time. Also Carrozzeria Pininfarina is working on "Corvair Speciale".
The Chevrolet Corvair Monza GT coupe toured with Monza SS (Spyder) in early 1963, making a public appearance at the New York Auto Show. Although both cars are based on Corvair drive drives, each represents the development of the futuristic Corvair design. In a convertible SS, the engine (with four carburetor arrangements) is left in the stock location behind the transaxle, allowing the shorter wheelbase (88Ã, at (2,200 mm)). The Monza GT is housed in GM's Heritage Center in Detroit.
A 1966 concept vehicle, the Electrovair II, is a 1965 Monza 1966 hardtop modified with a 1152-hp powered 53-volt electric motor instead of a gasoline engine - after the 1964 version known as Electrovair I. With the 1966 model, silver-zinc batteries are used and placed in the trunk and engine compartment, and the body slightly modified to accept the conversion. The car was deformed by the high cost of the battery ($ 160,000), a limited driving range (40-80 miles), and short battery life.
Modified Racing and Corvairs
Yenko Stinger
Don Yenko, who had been driving a Corvette, could not compete successfully against Carrol Shelby Mustang after they arrived at the scene; He therefore decided to race a modified Corvairs, starting with the 1966 model. Since Corvair's stock did not fit into one of the SCCA categories, Yenko had to modify four Corsas carburettors into a "sports car" by removing the back seat; in the process it introduces various performance improvements. Since SCCA requires 100 cars to be produced to model the racing models, Yenko completed 100 Stingers in a month in 1965. Although everything is white, SCCA is needed for American cars at the time, [normal competition lane for the US. white cars with 2 blue lines] there are many variations among individual cars; some have exterior modifications including a fiberglass engine cover with spoilers, some not; some engine upgrades received developed 160, 190, 220, or 240 hp (119, 142, 164, or 179 kW). All equipped by Chevrolet manufacturer with heavy duty suspension, four speed transmission, faster steering ratio, "positraction" limited-slip differential (50 with 3.89 gears, and 50 by 3.55 when Chevrolet dropped 3.89) and master cylinder a double brake (this first application by Chevrolet, to be the next year's stock fixtures). Since most refrigeration engines in air-cooled engines are performed by oil circulation, oil coolers are required for the use of competition, these are mounted externally on the back of the body on the left wheel.
The Stingers compete in Class D Production, dominated by Triumph TR4, which is very fast on the track; But in his first race in January 1966, Stinger was able to be second with just one second. At the end of the 1966 season, Jerry Thompson had won the Central Division Championship and finished fifth in the 1966 Nationals, Dick Thompson, a very successful Corvette racer, had won the Northeast Division Championships, and Jim Spencer had won the Central Division Championship, with Dino Milani taking the spot second. The following year, however, Chevrolet dropped the Corsa line, and the Monza line was initially unavailable in stock with four carburetor engines; the machine was eventually offered as a special performance option, however, along with 3.89 differential. The Monza instrumentation does not have a tachometer or a head temperature gauge, which must be installed separately. SCCA, on the other hand, has loosened its ruling colors, and the cars are available in red or blue. It is believed that only fourteen 1967 Stingers were built, but the Chevrolet Fund, which distributes Stingers on the West Coast of the US, ordered three additional similar cars to be built for the Stinger specification, but with the AIR injection system to comply with California's emissions laws, with Permission Yenko. A total of 185 Stingers are believed to have been built, the latter being YS-9700 built for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company as a tire test vehicle in 1969-1970. Comedian, television star, and car enthusiast Tim Allen owns and ran Yenko Stinger # YS-043 until he sold it around June 2009.
Fitch Sprint
The old roadracer John Fitch is very interested in Corvair as the basis for the winding road and track-oriented car, because of its handling. The basic Sprint receives only slight modifications to the engine, carrying it to 155 hp (116 kW; 157 PS), but upgrading to shock and spring absorbers, adjustment for wheel alignment, faster steering ratio, alloy wheels, metallic brake coating, (leather available for an additional $ 9.95) and other minor changes make it very competitive with European sports cars that cost much more. Body options such as spoilers are available, but the most remarkable option visually is "Ventop", the fiberglass layer for C pillars and the rear roof that gives this car a "fly-in" profile.
Fitch went on to design and build the Fitch Phoenix prototype, a Corvair two-seat sports car, which superficially resembles a smaller version of the Shark-based Shark Corvette. Weighing a total of 1,950 Â £ (885 kg), even with a steel body, and with a Corvair engine modified with Weber carburettor to deliver 175 hp (130 kW, 177 PS), this car delivers a vibrant performance for $ 8,760. The ability to produce cars on a small scale, together with Chevrolet's decision to stop Corvair's production, meant the end of Fitch's plan. He still maintains a prototype, and occasionally flaunts him at a car show until his death. One June 1, 2014, Fitch Phoenix went to an auction at Bonhams in Greenwich Concours and sold for 230,000 US dollars. The car is still in Connecticut with a new owner.
In the early 1970s, Fitch sold his inventory to Art Hershberger of Princeton, Wisconsin. Hershberger made minor style modifications to several Corvairs and sold them as Solar Sprints and Solar Cavaliers. The main distinguishing feature of Solar is its Camaro rear lights.
Winfield Cars: Reactor & amp; Piranha
Gene Winfield, automotive customizers. built two models in the mid-1960s that used the unique quality of the lightweight and low Corvair engines.
The Reactor came when Winfield was given the task of showing the benefits of an aluminum car. What he developed was a front axle with a very low two-seat front wheel drive. He uses a turbocharged 180 hp engine from Corvair Corsa. Other drivetrain components are derived from CitroÃÆ'¡n DS, including a customized front-wheel and adjustable front-wheel transaxle. Winfield was able to put this vehicle on the 1960s television program Star Trek, Batman, and Bewitched.
Sports racing cars - Piranha - developed around the same time, to demonstrate the use of new plastics for structural parts of the cyclic - ABS car. The light vehicle (1,400 pounds) was developed in several generations, using a Corvair engine mounted on the back. The model car company of Aluminum Model Toys started small-scale production of the actual car through their division run by Gene Winfield. Winfield was able to obtain this car's placement feature on television as The U.N.C.L.E. Cars at The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
Custom, dune buggies and airplanes
The flat-six Corvair engine is a popular alternative to Volkswagen engines in dune buggy train applications, and off-road racing. Some Corvair engines have also been used to power lights and experimental aircraft such as Pietenpol's, Zenith's, and Sonex's. Much of the development work on converting Corvair engines into viable power plants has been done by William Wynne, who has refined the process since the 1980s.
Trans Am
Corvair was driven by Spurgeon May and Donna Mae Mims in the Trans Am Series in 1966.
Design effect
First Generation Corvair (1960-1964) has been credited with influencing car designs worldwide. Stylish in GM's advanced styling studio in 1957, under the leadership of then director Ned Nickels, the compact design was made using cues from Oldsmobile and Chevrolet models before. The most prominent design features, high beltline wrap-around, were "borrowed" by other car makers shortly after the Corvair release. These cars include BMW 1602/2002, NSU Prinz, Hillman Imp, Fiat 1300/00, Type34 Karmann Ghia, and Mazda 800.
Combination of strength and light weight Corvair introduces European manufacturers into niche American markets for smaller low price sedans with greater power and mobility than contemporary European economic sedans and more flexible and practical designs than European sports cars. The overall concept was exemplified by Volkswagen Type 34 Karmann Ghia and Type 3 "notchback" in 1961 and the BMW "New Class" sedan in 1962. BMW developed the concept further with mass marketing high-performance high-quality sedans, setting the "sedan" trend category sport "that will soon include offers from various European manufacturers, and finally Japan.Unfortunately for Corvair, its features, details, build quality and reliability fail to follow the expectations of a new generation of sports sedan enthusiasts and to be closed off the market where it is a seminal influence.
See also
- Chevrolet Corvair Engine
- Chevrolet Corvair Powerglide
- Fiat 1300
- Tatra 613
- Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Type 34
- Tucker 48
- Unsafe with Any Speed ​​
- Yenko Chevrolet
References
Bibliography
- Cheetham, Craig (2005). World's Worst Cars: From Pioneering Failure to Two-Dollar Disaster . Book of Amber. ISBN: 9781904687351. Flory Jr., J. "Kelly" (2004). American Car, 1960-1972: Every Model, Year on Year . McFarland. ISBN: 978-0-7864-1273-0. Ã,
- Shattuck, Dennis, ed. (1963). Corvair - Full Guide . Special Edition of Car Life. Chicago: Bond.
External links
- Chevrolet Corvair in Internet Movie Cars Database
- Chevrolet Corvair on Curlie (based on DMOZ)
- Article on Chevrolet Corvair from Vinson Collection at Hagley Library
- Filmstrip Ads for Corvair from Prelinger Archive at archive.org
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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