Description
The Chevrolet Corvair Convertible was introduced in 1962 and remained part of the Corvair lineup until the model’s discontinuation in 1969. It represented the most open and stylish version of Chevrolet’s innovative rear-engine compact, offering an engaging driving experience with the added appeal of top-down motoring.
Like all Corvairs, the convertible featured a rear-mounted, air-cooled flat-six engine. Early models came with a 145 cubic inch displacement, producing around 80 to 102 horsepower depending on trim. Later versions, particularly in the Monza and Corsa lines, offered more powerful engines, including a turbocharged option producing up to 180 horsepower in the Corsa Turbo. These performance upgrades, combined with the light weight and unique balance of the Corvair, made the convertible an enjoyable car to drive.
The Corvair Convertible was available in several trim levels, including the 500, Monza, and later the Corsa. The Monza variant proved especially popular thanks to its sporty styling and upgraded interior, which included bucket seats, full instrumentation, and chrome accents. The Corsa, introduced in 1965, brought a more performance-oriented package with higher-output engines and more sophisticated features.
The soft top was manually operated in early models, with a power top offered as an option. The design allowed the top to fold neatly behind the rear seat, preserving the car’s clean, sleek lines when lowered. Even with the top up, the Corvair Convertible maintained a stylish profile, marked by its low stance and rounded bodywork.
In 1965, the Corvair underwent a complete redesign that dramatically updated the car’s appearance. The second-generation convertibles had a more refined, European-inspired look with a wider stance, sharper lines, and improved suspension. The swing-axle rear suspension was replaced by a fully independent rear setup, significantly enhancing handling and stability—especially important for the convertible, which emphasized fun and spirited driving.
Despite its innovative design and unique place in the American market, the Corvair Convertible was ultimately affected by declining sales and the growing popularity of more conventional muscle cars and pony cars like the Ford Mustang. Production ended in 1969, marking the close of one of Chevrolet’s most unusual and ambitious experiments.
Today, the Chevrolet Corvair Convertible is cherished by collectors and enthusiasts for its distinctive engineering, mid-century charm, and open-air driving enjoyment. Well-preserved examples offer a rare glimpse into a time when American automakers dared to challenge conventions and push the boundaries of design and performance.