1962 Chevrolet Corvair Turbo Convertible (LHD)

One of the more unconventional, not to mention controversial, automobiles to emerge from General Motors in the Sixties was Chevrolet's Corvair. Launched in 1959 as a 1960 model, the Corvair was a personal compact boasting an extremely advanced specification, starting with the rear-engined layout. The engine itself was an air-cooled, horizontally-opposed all-alloy six-cylinder unit displacing 140-cid, while the sophisticated fully independent suspension set-up consisted of coil springs all round with swing axles at the rear. The press loved the car, hailing it as the first American car designed with a genuine European attitude and it was awarded 'Car of the Year' by Motor Trend magazine. Initially sold either as a four-door sedan or as the sporty Monza Club Coupe, the range was expanded in 1961 to include a station wagon and the following year saw the introduction of a convertible variant. Of more significance was the option of a turbocharger in 1962, making the Corvair the first production automobile to feature this technology. The turbo Corvair became the new leader in the range, badged as the Monza Spyder (although both coupe and convertible models were sold) and had 150 bhp on tap from the 145-cid engine. Monzas were distinguished by unique badging, metal rocker cover sill panels, dressed-up interiors and soon built up a strong following with the sports car fraternity. The turbocharged Corvair Monza Spyder was sold in very select numbers, with production totalling just 2574 units in 1962, and has gone on to become one of the most collectible American cars of the era.