<VV> Corvairs and Their Lack of Appeal

[Jeffrey B. Aronson]

Nice thread, everyone. I think what really hinders the Corvair is that 
GM spent too much time marketing it as an economy car. By the time that 
its marketing changed, American sports coupes became associated with the 
higher horsepower pony cars.

So it's hard for the "pose-with-my-car" crowd to get fired up about the 
Corvair. When they're seen with a Mustang or Chevelle, onlookers assumes 
they must have driven them hard when they were younger, or wish they 
grew up with 350 hp cars instead of Toyotas - and the owners preen.

In actuality, everyone of any age with a Corvair is a driver by 
definition - the one defining characteristic of the car is that they 
handle brilliantly. People who don't admire great handling will never be 
attracted to the Corvair, and as enthusiasts, we're better off for it.

Jeff Aronson
Vinalhaven, ME

The most interesting comment comes from Lon Wall in the Corvair Basics 
book. Lon notes that he is "lazy" and "hates to work on cars" (an 
exaggeration, I'm sure). A Corvair will run and run and run with the 
smallest amount of maintenance. No, it's not running well nor is it good 
for the car, but these are not finicky cars. They seem to keep running 
despite neglect. So they're great choices for those owners who just want 
a handsome, stylish car to show off, too.