1965 Chevrolet, fully documented Corvair CORSA. 6-cylinder air-cooled 4-speed with numbers matching 140 H.P. 4-carb factory original engine and drive-train.

 

1965 was the first year for production of the entirely new second generation Chevrolet Corvair which featured newly designed Independent rear axle suspension and an entirely fresh body design attributed to Chevrolet chief designers Ed Cole, Harry Barr, Ron Hill, Ellis Premo, Robert Schilling, Larry Shinoda, Anatole Lapine, and Bill Mitchell.

 

The Corvair has gone down in the history books as “The most European car General Motors has ever designed”. In 1954, Chevrolet purchased two new Porsche 356 cars as test mules for the Corvair engine in its development infancy. See vintage factory b/w photo from “CORVAIR by CHEVROLET, Experimental & Production Cars 1957-1969 with introduction by Edward N. Cole".

 

CORSA was offered in 1965 and 1966 only.

There are several details that denote the 1965 CORSA model, including one year only trim, trademark rear valance cove highlighted in silver, and various tasteful Corsa specific interior appointments.

 

This car is offered with significant original documentation including the Owner’s manual with Chevrolet “Protecto-Plate” credit card still stored in its original vinyl sleeve. The Van Nuys assembly line factory Build sheet is still tucked inside the seat springs beneath the driver’s seat (visible with a mirror). Dealer invoice From ALTA CHEVROLET in the dry climate of Dinuba, California displays dealer location, salesman's name, Crocus Yellow paint, vin # and ignition key # and options ordered on this car: full spoke 3-ear knock-off wheel covers, black Corsa pin stripe, padded dash surface, rear seat speaker with fader, spare wheel lock, Seat belts with retractors, simulated full wire wheel 3 eared knock off covers, tinted glass, padded instrument panel, pushbutton radio, 650 x 13 WSW tires, and 4-speed trans.

Original California “Pink Slip” registration showing vin number, original owner, etc. comes with the car.  The original dealer rear license plate surround remains.

 

Also included is the original registration card from 12/64 showing purchase date and the registration card from 1968 indicating GMAC financing satisfied in original owner’s name. It too remains in the original 1964 DMV glassine envelope with a six cent cancelled stamp intact. Factory 1965 Chevrolet Corvair brochure with the Crocus Yellow CORSA on cover artwork comes with the sale as well.

 

This car was purchased new by a Certified/ licensed Aircraft Inspector, now retired,  who was fond of air-cooled technology since its inception and personally tended to this car its entire Life, until 2013. An aircraft spec torque wrench was used exclusively for 50 years as required during maintenance, which included full engine rebuild, etc.

 

This is a sure-footed, very nice driving CORSA with a freshly maintained suspension, new fuel tank/ sending unit, and brand new 185-13” correct MAXXIS radial tires, Viton aircraft spec crankshaft seal and oil cooler seal, etc. No leaks. Car was re-sprayed properly in original CROCUS YELLOW in 1985 with all trim, felt and glass removed. Covered 900 miles since and still presents extremely well. Not a restored car, but a religiously maintained original car with near mint original bucket seat interior as seen in photos.

Probably one of the nicest, driest 1965 original CORSA’s out there…

 

Vin # decodes as follows:

1= Chevrolet

07 = Trim (CORSA)

37 = COUPE

5 = Year

L = (Plant-Los Angeles)

106245 = Production #

(subtract 100,000 for 1965-68)

Car is currently registered, titled and insured in my name. No reserve sale means car is selling to the highest bidder regardless of price.