While is was the base model, the Corvair 500 was still a head-turner, with the same sleek shape as the Corsa and Monza, including the hardtop profile with no structural bar between the front and rear side windows. When you ordered a 500, you opted for what was pretty close to the modern monochrome look rodders like so much.

The 500 seen here was modified in a couple of very important ways. Gone is the stock 95 horsepower base engine and 3-speed transaxle, replaced with the 4-carb 140 engine and 4-speed trans. Stock 13-inch rims and tires were replaced by beefier 14 x 7 rims and Comp T/A 215-60 HR 14 all season tires.