Chevrolet Corvair
The Chevrolet Corvair wasn't a typical 1960s American car, designed to fight small European imports with its unique rear-mounted, air-cooled flat-six engine. Though famous for early handling issues, its innovative design and the second generation's sleek styling make it a distinctive collector car.
Find one with Spotter →Typical sold price of a Chevrolet Corvair ranges from $3,003 to $35,000, based on 1,815 sales tracked on Hypercars. 256 currently for sale.
Chevrolet Corvair Submodels
The Chevrolet Corvair was GM's radical attempt to compete with the wave of small, efficient European cars in the 1960s. Its rear-mounted, air-cooled flat-six engine was unique for a major American manufacturer. The first generation (1960-1964) famously drew criticism from Ralph Nader for its swing-axle rear suspension, but the second generation (1965-1969) featured a fully independent suspension and sleek styling that still looks great today.
Collectors appreciate the Corvair for its unconventional engineering and diverse model range. Beyond the standard coupes and sedans, there were wagons, vans, and even pickups. The sporty Monza and turbocharged Corsa models are particularly sought after, offering a unique driving experience compared to their front-engine, V8-powered contemporaries. It's an affordable classic that offers a lot of style and mechanical interest for the money.
The Corvair market is broad and accessible. With an average sale price under $15,000, it's an easy entry point for new collectors. The wide price range reflects the difference between common sedans needing work and pristine, rare models like turbocharged Corsa convertibles or the ultra-rare Yenko Stinger variants, which command top dollar.
Buying Tips
- Check for rust thoroughly. Common spots include the floor pans, lower door seams, front fender bottoms, and the areas around the front and rear glass.
- All Corvair engines leak some oil, but excessive leaks from the pushrod tube seals or main seals can be costly to fix. Look for a relatively dry engine and undercarriage.
- The heater works by circulating air over the hot engine into the cabin. Check for exhaust smells inside, which indicates dangerous leaks in the lower shrouds or exhaust manifolds.
- Verify the authenticity of high-performance models. The 140hp 4-carburetor engine and the 180hp turbocharged engine are desirable, and it's common to see base models upgraded to look like Corsa trims.
Prices for the Chevrolet Corvair range from around $300 for project cars to more than $68,200 for concours-quality and rare variants.
1,815 Chevrolet Corvair vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars, with 256 currently live. Sold prices range from $500 to $2,057,000.
Data sourced from Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, eBay Motors, PCarMarket, and Collecting Cars. Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chevrolet Corvair cost?
Based on 1,815 sales tracked on Hypercars, Chevrolet Corvair prices typically range from $3,003 to $35,000. There are 256 currently for sale.
How many Chevrolet Corvair listings are for sale right now?
There are 256 Chevrolet Corvair listings currently live across auctions, dealers, and marketplaces tracked by Hypercars.