<VV> <Aarrgghh!!> Autoweek ~ "ill-handling Corvair" -, Really ?

[Steven J. Serenska]

John:

> I think the whole hullabaloo had to do with two things:
> 1. Nader was using this car to further his career.
> 2. Corvairs were somewhat less forgiving of idiots, hence my soggy 
> rear tire comment.

I agree with you comments, but I would add an Item #1.5 to your list: GM 
tried to put out the fire with gasoline by hiring a private detective to 
dig up dirt on Ralphie boy.  Worse, when they couldn't find any dirt, 
they attempted to manufacture some (e.g., by trying to set him up in a 
compromising position with a call girl).  Worse still, they were dumb 
enough to get caught red-handed.  Apparently, GM and its private eyes 
hadn't allowed for the possibility that Ralph Nader was as asexual as a 
potato and did not rise to the bait.

If you haven't read it, the book "The Investigation of Ralph Nader" by 
Thomas Whiteside is a reasonably unbiased account of the whole affair.  
The book is neutral toward the Corvair but really makes GM and their 
management team look like a bunch of dunderheads.

There are several copies available on www.abebooks.com for the princely 
sum of $1.00.  Not a bad read.

Steven J. Serenska