D.A.C.C. Corvair Homecoming

Here's a first generation Monza sitting in the afternoon sun, with a Corvair van in the background.

The car, I believe, is a '64, but if you look carefully, the backup light lenses are '63 vintage. However, the stoplights, bright trim around the wheel-wells, Monza rocker moldings and block-letter Corvair emblem on the deck-lid are all typical of the '64. The wheel covers are from a 1965 model. Mix and match!

The friendly owner of the blue convertible agreed to let me photograph an original ad for the '64 Corvair, which I found perched on the back seat.

The text of the ad, which isn't visible in the photo at right because of cropping, mentioned the new 164 c.i. engines; the standard 95 horsepower engine, the high performance 110 and "that absolute braggart, the 150-hp Turbocharged Spyder engine."

It also refered to, "new interior design with pleasing details like map pockets in both front doors of Monzas."

Speaking of interiors, here's a look at a '65 Corsa owned by Jerry Shreve of Saginaw, Michigan. The original optional AM/FM radio is still in place. Jerry showed my a copy of a factory supplement to the owners manual, which listed all FM radio stations available in America.

While Jerry and I were trading Corvair stories, I mentioned how I enjoyed the sound of the turbocharged 180 and asked when the cars would be pulling out, so I could hear his. A few moments later, he fired it up while I stood behind the car. It had been 32 years since I'd heard that exhaust note! It was a highlight of the day.

I also enjoyed examining a copy of the original 1965 Corvair sales brochure Jerry had on hand, and then stepped around to the front of the car for the picture seen below.