1965 Chevrolet Corvair Corsa Convertible

Description

In the 1950s, General Motors faced tough competition from foreign brands and decided to develop a car that could rival the popular Volkswagen Beetle. Ed Cole, who was then the General Manager of Chevrolet, spearheaded the development of a small compact car, and the Corvair was born. It featured a rear-mounted air-cooled engine that drew inspiration from the Volkswagen Beetle's architecture but with a larger and more powerful six-cylinder engine. Boasting modern styling, the Corvair was available in various body styles, and pioneered the production of American turbocharged vehicles. Today, Corvairs continue to have a devoted following and are a fun vintage car option with a readily available parts supply. 

"The new Corsa reigns as Corvair’s top-line offering for 1965,” wrote Motor Trend magazine (January 1965). “The Corsa is GM’s answer to American demands for a low-priced Europeanish performance/economy car — but with a touch of luxury and more seating capacity and luggage space than you normally find in imported cars.” This well-preserved three-owner Corsa convertible certainly fits that bill. With its 140 horsepower rear engine, four-speed manual transmission, and revised rear suspension, it’s easy to see why some call the Corsa “the American Porsche.”

Highlights 

• One of 8,353 Corsa Convertibles built in 1965 

• 2.7-liter four-carburetor 140 horsepower “Turbo-Air” air-cooled flat-six 

• Four-speed manual transmission 

• Finished in Cameo Beige with Medium Saddle vinyl interior and Beige convertible top 

• The chassis number (107675W235592) decodes as: 

  • 1 – Chevrolet  

  • 07 – Trim series Corsa model  

  • 67 – Convertible 

  • 5 – 1965 model year 

  • W – Willow Run, Michigan, final assembly plant  

  • 235592 – Sequential production number 

• The Body by Fisher Tag decodes as: 

  • Interior Paint: C – Saddle 

  • Style: 13-10767 – 1965 Corsa Convertible 

  • Plant: WRN – Willow Run, Michigan, final assembly plant 

  • Body: 1788 – Production sequence number 

  • Trim: 706 – Medium Saddle Imitation Leather 

  • Paint: V-3 – Cameo Beige with Beige convertible top 

• Options include but are not limited to: 

  • A02 Tinted Windshield 

  • A49 Seat belts with retractors 

  • B70 Padded Dash 

  • C06 Power Top 

  • M20 Four-Speed 

  • P19 Spare wheel lock 

  • T60 Heavy-duty battery 

  • U63 Pushbutton AM radio 

  • U73 Rear Antenna 

  • Z01 Comfort and Convenience Group 

Features 

• Accessory luggage carrier 

• Camaro Z28 wheels 

• Delco AM radio with rear speaker 

• Heater  

• Twin bucket seats  

• Dual sun visors  

• Locking glove box  

• Day/night mode interior rearview mirror  

• Cigarette lighter  

• Electric windshield wipers  

• Bright finish side view mirrors   

• Door-mounted map pockets  

• Manual roll-up windows  

• 14 gallon fuel tank  

Known Imperfections 

• This 1965 Chevrolet Corvair Corsa Convertible is presented generally good condition for unrestored vehicle of this age 

Included 

• Four original wheels and tires with two extra rims 

• 1965 Chassis Shop Manual 

• Window sticker 

• Dealer car papers folder 

• 1965 Chevrolet brochure 

Ownership History

This 1965 Chevrolet Corvair Corsa Convertible was delivered new to Haddonfield Sale Company in Haddonfield, New Jersey. It was purchased by the consignor in 2019 from the son of the who is believed to be the second owner. The odometer shows 17,544 miles, but the title showed 115,900 miles in 2019, so it is believed the odometer has rolled over; however, the true mileage is unknown.