1960 Chevrolet Corvair Sedan
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With its rear-mounted, air-cooled engine, the Corvair was conceived as an American answer to the rear-engined, air-cooled Volkswagen Beetle. Corvairs sold well, although not as well as the more conventional Ford Falcon. But sales slipped after Ralph Nader's book, Unsafe at Any Speed, raised questions about the Corvair's handling. Production ceased in 1969.
With its rear-mounted, air-cooled engine, the Corvair was conceived as an American answer to the rear-engined, air-cooled Volkswagen Beetle. Corvairs sold well, although not as well as the more conventional Ford Falcon. But sales slipped after Ralph Nader's book, Unsafe at Any Speed, raised questions about the Corvair's handling. Production ceased in 1969.
Artifact
Automobile
Date Made
1960
On Exhibit
at Henry Ford Museum in Driving America
Object ID
85.64.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Augustus M. Minton and Catherine L. Minton.
Material
Metal
Glass (Material)
Rubber (Material)
Cloth
Color
Turquoise (Color)
Gray (Color)
Dimensions
Height: 51.3 in
Width: 66.4 in
Length: 180 in
Wheelbase: 108 in
Weight: 2377 lbs
Inscriptions
On hubcaps: Chevrolet Corvair On rear edge of trunk: Chevrolet In front of front wheels, on sides of body: Corvair
Specifications
Make & Model: 1960 Chevrolet Corvair sedan
Maker: General Motors Corporation, Detroit, Michigan
Engine: horizontally opposed 6, overhead valves, 140 cubic inches
Transmission: 2-speed automatic
Height: 51.5 inches
Wheelbase: 108 inches
Width: 66.5 inches
Overall length: 180 inches
Weight: 2305 pounds
Horsepower: 80 at 4400 revolutions per minute
Pounds per horsepower: 28.8
Price: $2,038
Average 1960 wage: $4,816 per year
Time you'd work to buy this car: about 5 months
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