“The Old General Motors didn't get to the top of the heap by playing it safe. It was the style leader; first with the fins, the longest hoods, the big wheel openings created to give the look of motion. A technological leader, too, developing the high-compression engines and the first practical automatic transmissions. The old GM was willing to take risks: Remember the Chevy Corvair, the small car built with an aluminum, air-cooled rear engine? …it was an ambitious car, a bold car, a pioneering move. That passion for cars, that product and technological daring, pushed GM to 45- to 50-percent of the market. GM was unbeatable. So much so that the government even considered breaking it up to protect poor Ford and Chrysler." Jerry Flint, former Senior Editor - Forbes Magazine

It is well known that the Corvair broke the mold for American automobiles and today they deserve to be preserved and appreciated for the technological innovations; teaching the young enthusiasts.

The Corsa version of the Corvair was the top-of-the-line offering in this Chevrolet series in 1965. It came with standard equipment that included all of the standard Corvair Monza features, plus the Corsa series included (as standard) an electric clock, tachometer, oil pressure gauge, temperature gauge, Satin Silver special ornamentation and special interior trim. The rear-engine platform is powered by a 164-cid, 180-hp horizontally-opposed six-cylinder turbocharged engine and is connected to a floor-shift four-speed manual transmission.

Buckets seats, a black vinyl power-operated convertible top, AM radio, chrome wire wheel covers with faux knock-off spinners, tinted glass, padded instrument panel and special badging are all part of this uncommon package. The car is accompanied by a copy of its window sticker. This shows that the car was listed at the price of $3,230.55 with the base price for the Corsa at $2,665. The dealer is shown as Don Steves Chevrolet I La Habra, California. In 1965, only 8,353 similar convertibles were built by Chevrolet.

This particular 1965 Corvair Corsa Turbo Convertible was donated to the AACA Museum and has been in and out of display since. It is reported to run and drive well and the drivetrain seems to be in very good shape. The Chevrolet starts and runs well, but since it has been part of a static collection for the past few years, the buyer is advised that it may require some degree of re-commissioning before placing it routine service.