1964 Chevrolet Corvair Resources

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1964 Chevrolet Corvair Facts –  Body Paint Color Codes

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1964 Chevrolet Corvair

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1964 Chevrolet Corvair Facts and Specifications

General Year Information – 1964 Chevrolet Corvair

Significant engineering changes were introduced for 1964, while the model lineup and styling remained relatively unchanged. The engine size was increased from 145 to 164 CID via a 0.34 inch increase in stroke. The base engine power went from 80 to 95 HP, and the high-performance engine increased from 102 to 110 HP. The Spyder engine rating remained at 150 HP despite the displacement increase of the engine, however the rated torque rose from 210 to 232 ft. lbs. All 1964 Corvair powerplants had redesigned hardware and gaskets to better seal oil leakage around the rocker arm covers.

From a styling point of view, a thicker crossbar stretched between the headlights. Below the crossbar was a triangular Chevrolet badge. “Corvair” in block letters were set on the edge of the hood and deck. The circular taillamp bezels were redone.

A significant improvement in the car’s swing axle rear suspension occurred with the addition of a transverse leaf spring along with softer rear coil springs designed to diminish rear roll stiffness and foster more neutral handling. This also removed the tendency of the outer axle to “tuck under” during hard cornering. Spring rates were now softer at both ends of the car compared to previous models. The heavy-duty suspension was no longer optional, and all models now had a front anti-roll bar as standard. Brakes were improved with finned rear drums.

Despite a vastly improved 1964 model, Corvair sales declined by close to 73,000 units that year. This was attributed to the basic styling being 5 years old, the lack of a pillarless hardtop that virtually all competing compact models had, the lack of a V-8 engine, and the introduction of the Ford Mustang – a car that broke all records for sales of a new car.

While the Corvair proved that a much less Porsche competitor could be built and mass-marketed, the message was clear – people wanted a front engine rear drive sporty car in the Corvair’s price range. Chevrolet aficionados would have to wait three years to get one.

1964 Chevrolet Corvair Facts – Ralph Nader’s Unsafe at Any Speed Bunk

A prominent aspect of the Corvair’s legacy derived from controversy surrounding the handling of early models equipped with rear swing axles, argued aggressively by Ralph Nader’s Unsafe at Any Speed but tempered by a 1972 Texas A&M University safety commission report for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which found that the 1960–1963 Corvair possessed no greater potential for loss of control in extreme situations than other contemporary compacts.

It should be noted that The Volkswagen Beetle and early Porsche cars had the same swing axle setup and suffered no negative publicity. Given these facts, it seems apparent that Nader’s book was a trial lawyer’s attempt at tapping the financial coffers of GM and nothing more. This unmerited attack damaged the reputation of a fine vehicle loved by many.

1964 Chevrolet Corvair Facts – Significant Options

• • Air conditioning ($350).
  • Armrest, rear style 700 4-door only ($10).
  • Comfort and Convenience equipment, Monza ($28); others ($39).
  • Folding rear seat, Styles 727, 769 and all 500s ($27).
  • Generator, 35-ampere ($38).
  • Heavy-duty air cleaner ($17).
  • Heavy-duty clutch ($5), Standard with 150 HP Turbocharged engine.
  • Instrument panel, padded ($16).
  • Power convertible top ($54).
  • Radio, manual ($48).
  • Radio, push-button ($57).
  • Radio, push-button with front and rear speaker, except convertible ($70).
  • Seat belts, front ($19).
  • Spare wheel lock ($5).
  • Tinted glass, all windows ($27)
  • Tinted glass, windshield only ($13).
  • Two-tone paint ($11).
  • Wheel covers, full, standard on Monzas ($11).
  • Wheel covers, wire design 500-700 ($38); Monza ($27).
  • White sidewall tires, four-ply ($29).
  • Wire wheels, Kelsey-Hayes with knock-off hubs, all models ($404).