It's always refreshing to learn a Corvair was saved from the crusher, a fate that eventually befalls most old cars in the salvage yard once they've been scavenged for parts. The Corvair 700 sedan featured here was rescued from Star Auto Salvage in Kewaskum, Wisconsin, by Paul Moore of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.

The 1961 Corvair 700 series was the intermediate Corvair, with a trim level between the top-of-the-line Monza and the base model, Corvair 500.

Paul's 700 was in pretty good shape for a salvage yard car. It had only 35,000 miles on the odometer. The body had a dent in the driver's door, a small rust hole in a rocker panel, and some surface rust. The upholstery was original, as it remains today. The engine required only a valve job, a couple of gaskets and some paint. There was a hole in the gas tank, the right rear wheel bearing had to be changed and the car needed some new tunnel pans and an exhaust system. Paul also replaced the fuel and brake lines and treated the car to a complete paint job.

At right, we see the original interior, equipped with optional padded dash, arm rests, cigarette lighter, AM radio, and parking brake warning light (not visible in the picture) Through the driver's side window we also see the outside rear view mirror, which in 1961, was also optional at extra cost.

Mounted under the glove box is an aftermarket FM tuner. Note the period-correct fuzzy dice!

Below, an exterior view shows 700 series stainless trim around the beltline. Like the Monza and unlike the 500, the 700 also had stainless trim on the roof's drip rails and around the windshield and backlight. This car is equipped with optional full wheel covers and narrow whitewalls. The bright rocker panel trim is an owner installed enhancement.