Some of the cars at the convention were works-in-progress, like the 1961 Corvair 700 Lakewood station wagon, below. Owned by Jay Dover of Bramalea, Ontario, Canada, this Corvair may be the ultimate sleeper!

Jay cut out the Corvair's floor and lowered the body over a 1978 Malibu chassis and discovered it was a perfect fit! Then, working with a collection of spare parts he and his pals had "lying around," he bolted in a stock 1978 350 cu. in. Chevy small-block (in the front) with headers and dual exhaust. He installed a 1982 3-speed automatic transmission w/lockup torque converter and a 10-bolt center section straight axle with 3.42:1 gears. For directional control, he used a 1986 Trans-AM steering box (2 turns lock-to-lock) mated to 1982 Cutlass power steering. The Cutlass also donated its heavy duty suspension (after Jay cut one coil from the front springs), and both the front and rear heavy duty sway bars. Wheels are 15 x 7" Rally wheels and the tires, by Jay's own description, are "used." A '69 Camaro chin spoiler was added and some air inlets were cut into the area under the front bumper.

Jay has a great sense of humor and a thirst for fun. He proudly claims he and his "crazy Canadian Corvair buddies with too much time and beer on their hands" built the car for $1,350 U.S., "including construction, licensing and insurance!"

Jay is a regular CORSA convention attendee, and in the past has campaigned a fast late model Corv-8 in autocross. He still has that car as well, but for the moment, the wagon is his focus. When I last saw him, he was on his way to tour the convention vendors, looking for odds and ends like belt line trim and other pieces to complete the wagon.

Still with '61 Lakewoods, here's a shot of a great looking mild custom. The unique early model includes some special paint touches around the greenhouse, a set of genuine wire wheels and 1963/64 style headlight bezels (black between the ribs).