One of the blessings and curses of writing for this site and getting to be an enthusiast in this community is that there’s always something I want to buy. David has me into BMW i3s, Stephen Walter Gossin ignites my inner Mopar, and you lovely readers tug my heart in so many directions. Now, I want a Chevy Corvair again.
Matt wrote a Morning Dump containing a story about how Nissan Americas Chairman Christian Meunier thinks tariffs killed the sub-$30,000 car. Ranwhenparked’s comment will make you want a Chevy Corvair:
There’s going to be far more people disagreeing with me than agreeing, but my Corvair is an absolute delight to drive. Well-balanced handling, easy steering, good brakes, a comfortable ride without being floaty, and cushy seats. I’ve had it for years, have 4 other vehicles in the fleet right now, and have owned others during that time, but it’s the one that makes me smile the most consistently when I get behind the wheel, and often ends up being what I pick for longer road trips over my more modern cars (Challenger) because of that
And it was very cheap new, around $2400, which is maybe $25kish today. I mean, it’s still doing the job over 60 years later, and I could get in it today and head out on an 1800-mile trip if I wanted to, as I have done more than once.
I’ve wanted a Corvair off and on over the years, and every time I read about a happy Corvair owner, I get pushed just a little closer to buying one.
It’s usually pretty easy to recommend a used Toyota to any person looking for a cheap but reliable used car. Mark ran a showdown against a rough 1988 Toyota Supra and a rough 1991 Ford Thunderbird. Butterfingerz:
I would always pick a Toyota…..until I saw this Toyota.
Antti wrote a story about what cars Ford CEO Jim Farley bids on. There was a side story about how the first Chicago-style pontiff, Pope Leo, drove a manual Ford Fusion. Laika:
So the pope’s both a car guy and a Sox fan? Working on being the most relatable pontiff ever.
Have a great evening, everyone!
Topshot image graphic: Chevrolet
I’ve wanted a Corvair for years now already. But a 2nd gen coupe. Monza edition.
Criminally overlooked cars. The whole range of them, from wagons to sedans, from convertibles to pickups and a coupe. Probably the single most unique American car line ever put into mass production.