<VV> Corvair and Mustang

[frankcb at aol.com]

    Reminds me that on page 26 in the new (February) issue of Popular Mechanics magazine, it states that "independent rear suspension is now standard across the lineup (of Ford cars)".  Since some of the Fords now have turbocharging it also says "Turbocharging and independent rear suspension?  Is this a Mustang or BMW?"  I'm tempted to write them and add "Or a 50 year old Chevrolet CORVAIR like I have sitting in my garage?"
    Welcome to the modern world, Ford
Frank Burkhard
Boonton, NJ
 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: Bill H. via VirtualVairs <virtualvairs at corvair.org>
To: virtualvairs <virtualvairs at corvair.org>
Sent: Tue, Jan 6, 2015 10:51 am
Subject: <VV> Corvair and Mustang


                                                                                
 B"H
The cancellation of the Corvair was the result of a complex series of factors, 
as I see it.  Of course, the bean counters in any corporation have a strong say 
in what that company makes and sells, and we all know that the Vair was the most 
expensive product in the GM lineup to build.  Sure, it had great potential to 
become a fine touring car in the GT tradition, but I think GM saw a cheap and 
easy way to sell a sporty, sexy looking car by slapping the Camaro body onto to 
a Nova platform.  But back as early as '63, Ford tested the waters (pre-Mustang) 
with dandied up Falcons that got hardtop styling, bucket seats, and the 
Fairlane's small block V8.  They sold and prompted Chevy to eventually offer the 
SBC in the Chevy II (which also had an SS model back in '62, albeit it was 6 
cylinder only).
Detroit's compacts, except for the Corvair, were simply 7/8 scale models of the 
standard cars, nothing more.  Ed Cole was, in that light, more of a "car guy" 
than Iacocca, who didn't seem to envision anything that didn't have a regular 
Ford engine up front, and a solid axle and leaf springs in back.  Cole wanted 
true innovation, and that lead to the "car built from a blank page."
For very little money, one can transform a Corvair into a true GT car, one that 
can cruise effortlessly on a long trip, handle with precision and predictably, 
and give a comfortable ride to its passengers.  Somehow I don't think either 
Mustang or Camaro could do that in 1967 (although in later years, Camaro did 
improve its roadability).
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