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Apr 19, 2020 10:42:02 GMT
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I don’t have a death wish, but I do like these a lot. First saw one up close a year or two back when a mate of mine imported this beauty. If I hadn’t already sunk all my money into a ’67 Mustang I’d have been interested in it at the time. The Mustang is now gone and the departure of the little Morris 1300 from my driveway yesterday has left a spare parking space and I’m drawn back to the car that apparently wants to kill you! Mechanically, it fits the description of Stuttgart’s finest – striking design, 2 door coupe, air-cooled flat 6 rear engine. It even shares the reputation for crashing spectacularly in the hands of the foolish driver. The big plus for me is that I wouldn’t have to sell my house to pay for it, unlike the Porsche 911. Does anyone have any real world experience of them? Not just what Ralph Nadar had to say in his book? There are a few for sale. The same mate who imported the car above now has this beauty for sale. I had been planning to buy another Beetle and was looking for a mid 60’s bug or a Cal Looker but I must say I’m very tempted by the Corvairs
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Currently driving a 1972 BMW 1602 as my daily. Don't ask about previous cars - there have been way too many and I stopped counting at 160!
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zeberdee
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 933
Club RR Member Number: 2
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Apr 19, 2020 10:53:50 GMT
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No experience of them at all , but really like them .
Get it bought !!
👍
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Apr 19, 2020 11:06:19 GMT
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Can't you have a drive of your mates one, see if that tries to kill you?
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dikkehemaworst
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 1,580
Club RR Member Number: 16
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Apr 19, 2020 11:07:15 GMT
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Corvairs are cool and lack scenetax
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Apr 19, 2020 11:19:21 GMT
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I have no personal experience of Corvairs but I seem to remember reading that from 64 onwards Chevy fitted them with suspension upgrades which decreased the likelihood of the rear wheels tucking under. I'd imagine that there's a significant aftermarket following which offers various modern upgrades to improve it anyway.
I see no reason not to take a good look at one, test it and see what you think. They are pretty cool motors.
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Apr 19, 2020 11:33:18 GMT
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Apr 19, 2020 11:34:12 GMT
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Later ones had IRS if I remember right, pre 65 was swingaxle. Mate of mine had a 67 in the middle of runs of bugs, obviously bigger and more comfortable. You've had Beetles so you'll be fine.
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1968 Cal Look Beetle - 2007cc motor - 14.45@93mph in full street trim 1970-ish Karmann Beetle cabriolet - project soon to be re-started. 1986 Scirocco - big plans, one day!
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Apr 19, 2020 11:45:22 GMT
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I always thought they look like a giant Sunbeam Stiletto Not really bothered about the looks of a Hillman Imp, but always loved a Stiletto, so mabie that's why I like the look of a Corvair.
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Apr 19, 2020 11:46:51 GMT
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Wasn't there a recent wheelers dealers in one of these?
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jamesd1972
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 2,835
Club RR Member Number: 40
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Apr 19, 2020 11:52:37 GMT
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Wasn't there a recent wheelers dealers in one of these? Yep, worth a quick look, one of the more recent USA based ones. I like these too, the underdog bit appeals. James
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Apr 19, 2020 12:02:34 GMT
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Wasn't there a recent wheelers dealers in one of these? very cool looking car IMHO
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Currently driving a 1972 BMW 1602 as my daily. Don't ask about previous cars - there have been way too many and I stopped counting at 160!
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eternaloptimist
Posted a lot
Too many projects, not enough time or space...
Posts: 2,578
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Apr 19, 2020 12:53:33 GMT
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Get it bought.
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XC70, VW split screen crew cab, Standard Ten
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Apr 19, 2020 13:00:50 GMT
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Not driven one but certainly had a very smile on the face ride in one has a front seat passenger - why certain motors carry certain over hyped - over exaggerated myths I'm not quite sure - stories of TVR's consistently breaking down or catching fire - Range Rover P38's being a nightmare from hell - Triumph Stag engines being so unreliable that the AA & RAC would not recover you on the event of a breakdown - Even the Jowett Javelin that I run was apparently a doom of disaster (one of the best classics that I have ever owned & driven in 45 years of classic / retro ownership) I find it some what strange that you hardly ever hear the real true stories like certain models of the blue oval badge collection are the most over hyped over priced rot boxes on 4 wheels (IMO) Be different - Be bold - Stand out from the crowd - Everyone loves a underdog - go buy it
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Last Edit: Apr 19, 2020 13:02:21 GMT by Deleted
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Apr 19, 2020 13:05:41 GMT
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Get it bought! I think you will find most Americans can crash anything pretty easily! If your American please don't take offence!
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MiataMark
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 2,961
Club RR Member Number: 29
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Apr 19, 2020 14:15:27 GMT
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Having had a Renault 8 (swing axle and engine in the rear) as my first car followed by a Herald 13/10, why not you just have to adapt your driving style. Certainly taught me about handling, the hard way, early in my driving career.
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1990 Mazda MX-52012 BMW 118i (170bhp) - white appliance 2011 Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4 2003 Land Rover Discovery II TD52007 Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon JTDm
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Apr 19, 2020 14:19:28 GMT
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Apr 19, 2020 17:27:11 GMT
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Get it bought already.
You will not regret it till the next girl walks the boardwalk.
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Apr 19, 2020 18:15:22 GMT
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I've always loved these, but mainly the 2nd generation more torped-nosed ones. Just think they look so damn cool 2nd generation suspension did away with the jacking issues as well, so if it's compatible with the early shells then a simple swap and you're a lot safer.
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v8ian
Posted a lot
Posts: 3,758
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Apr 19, 2020 18:31:41 GMT
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Atmo V8 Power . No slicks , No gas + No bits missing . Doing it in style. Austin A35van, very different------- but still doing it in style, going to be a funmoble
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Rob M
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,915
Club RR Member Number: 41
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Apr 19, 2020 19:36:54 GMT
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The issues it had were no worse than the issues many cars of that era had. Ralph Nader was a tad overzealous really. Honestly, i'd be more concerned with one crumpling like a snotty tissue if it got hit by a modern. That is something we never think about when driving old cars, why should we? If this pandemic has taught us anything it has taught us to live life to the full. Buy one!
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