1960 Chevrolet Corvair 500

Survivor Corvair 569, first year, first model, by Chevrolet. Has original acrylic lacquer paint and chrome and very little rust. Paint still looks good but getting very thin. In places you can see oxidation beginning below. Garaged most of its life except couple years outside in southern California. I got this several years ago with 28 k original mi. Due to long storage some things deteriorated. I used MOS and OEM parts wherever possible for replaced and refreshed items, including :
- new flywheel (original type riveted was noisey. got balanced, bolted type)
- clutch assembly complete replacement including release bearing
- transmission and motor mounts
- brake components as needed (including spare new master cylinder)
- front wheel bearings
- rear wheel bearings, axles, u-joints
- steering components as needed
- fuel gage
- replaced speedometer unit, saved original odometer for mileage reference
- shock absorbers
- exhaust system (original type from Clarkes Corvair)
- windshield wipers and motor
- original Delco AM radio, tube type, restored but dial string needs fix
- new horn (aftermarket)
- NOS, OEM full wheelcovers
- tires: US Royal Safety 800 repro. by Coker, bias ply, WW orig OEM size
- NOS OEM refreshed carburetors
- engine fuel lines
- fuel pump
- new ignition coil
- NOS OEM generator
- trunk floor mat
- trunk rubber seal
- sound insulation added to floor etc. under original mats and panels
- OEM, Clark's Corvair exact repro seat upholstery replaced with padding
I used this car as daily driver for 2 years and is a fine, dependable car. Original motor has 80 hp and, with 3-spd floor shift, keeps up with traffic up to 65 mph. They say they cruise at 80+ all day on freeway, but it gets pretty scary beyond 65 with today's aggressive traffic. It's best for non-freeway driving IMHO.
It drives well and coil independent suspensions give bigger car ride. It is an amazing car and a pleasure to drive.
Known Issues:
- there is some body rust through in front 2 of the wheel wells and beginning in front of one. One is still solid. It is fixable. There is some minor surface rusting under car on panels and frames but they are solid.
- the gasoline fired, original heater unit is in trunk. It is complete and clean but I never got it started. It is repairable but needs greater knowledge than I have about it.
I just changed oil and filters and new NOS spark plugs, rotor and cap. Runs smooth and drove well at 60+ on freeway today.
This has a 3 speed gearbox with non-synchromesh first gear (like they did back then) and syncromeshed 2 and 3 gears. It's easy to get used to. They do have some gear whine and this is quite normal in 1 and 2 gears and Reverse. Then is quiet in high (3rd). Engine is original and unmodified.
The bias ply (non-radial) repro tires have pretty good, smooth ride as they were the kind originally used. But handling response is not as quick as radials. They have held up well. Looks like the original spare tire in the trunk, with original jack .
See images sighting down the body side panelsvery straight, original. To my knowledge, this car was involved i one minor accident, was rear-ended. Was repaired but you can see in the images that the paint is not original (or good) in that rear panel area. There is a minor crease in left rear fender. not so noticeable.
Finding a first year Corvair in this good of condition is rare. It is ready to drive right away. These 1960 models are called the "caveman" which they say comes from the front end body panel being in concave form. For 1961 the changed to convex, outward pointed front panel. Good Caveman Corvairs are hard to find.
This sale includes factory service manuals, miscellaneous spare parts, tune up parts and other things collected to go with the car. Includes also a spare transmission. It was put together by a mechanic in CA with all OEM, NOS parts. Also included a full set of OEM "poverty" hub caps and trim rings original to the car.
Please ask any questions you may have. I'll be happy to provide any information and assistance I can.
I bought this car sight-unseen and had it shipped from CA to VA. Previous owner said it was a super low mi car that need lots of TLC and would be a great driver. And so it was. I am now ready to pass it on to another .
I have tried to include all that I can recall about this Corvair.

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