The 1968 Chevrolet Corvair stands as a significant chapter in automotive history, marking a pivotal year for the model. While the Corvair’s reputation was marred by safety concerns, 1968 saw refinements and improvements, making it a more refined and desirable car for many.
This year witnessed the introduction of a new engine, a redesigned interior, and a renewed focus on driving experience.
The 1968 Corvair offered a unique blend of compact size, spirited performance, and distinctive styling, making it a popular choice for those seeking a car that stood out from the crowd. Its air-cooled, rear-engine layout, while a source of controversy, also provided a unique driving experience, particularly in terms of handling and agility.
This year, the Corvair continued to evolve, demonstrating its resilience and adaptability in a rapidly changing automotive landscape.
Introduction
The 1968 Chevrolet Corvair was the final year of production for this iconic and controversial compact car. Despite facing criticism and safety concerns, the Corvair remained a popular choice for its unique rear-engine design, handling, and affordability. The 1968 model year marked a significant turning point for the Corvair, as it featured several updates and changes aimed at addressing the criticisms it had received.
Key Features and Design Elements
The 1968 Corvair was available in various body styles, including the Monza, Corsa, and Lakewood. While the overall design remained largely unchanged from previous years, the 1968 model featured several notable updates. These updates aimed to enhance the car’s safety, performance, and comfort.
- Safety Enhancements:The 1968 Corvair featured several safety improvements, including a redesigned steering column, padded dashboard, and a new energy-absorbing steering wheel. These changes were made in response to the criticisms the Corvair had received regarding its safety record.
- Performance Improvements:The 1968 Corvair received a new, more powerful 140-horsepower engine option. This engine provided improved acceleration and performance, addressing concerns about the car’s previous power output.
- Comfort and Convenience:The 1968 Corvair offered several comfort and convenience features, including a redesigned interior with improved seating and more legroom. Additionally, the car featured new options such as air conditioning and a power steering system.
Engine and Performance
The 1968 Chevrolet Corvair offered a range of engine options, each catering to different performance needs and driving preferences. These engines, while compact, were known for their efficiency and unique air-cooled design.
Engine Options
The 1968 Corvair was available with three engine options:
- 140-cubic-inch (2.3 L) flat-six engine:This was the standard engine option, producing 95 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque. It was known for its fuel efficiency and smooth operation. This engine was also available in a slightly detuned version with 90 horsepower for the economy-focused Corvair 500.
The 1968 Chevrolet Corvair, a compact car known for its rear-engine design, was a popular choice in its time. While it faced its share of controversy, the Corvair’s innovative engineering and sporty handling left a lasting mark on the automotive world.
As Chevrolet sought to expand its offerings, the 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, a sleek and luxurious coupe , emerged as a new contender. The Monte Carlo’s focus on comfort and performance positioned it as a different kind of Chevrolet, one that appealed to a broader audience than the Corvair’s niche appeal.
- 164-cubic-inch (2.7 L) flat-six engine:This larger engine offered more power, generating 110 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. It was available on the Corvair Monza and provided a more spirited driving experience.
- 164-cubic-inch (2.7 L) flat-six engine with Turbocharger:This engine option, available on the Corvair Monza, was the most powerful, producing 150 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. The turbocharger significantly boosted performance, making the Corvair Monza a surprisingly quick car for its time.
Performance Characteristics
The Corvair’s air-cooled engine, while unique, had some inherent drawbacks. Its performance was generally less impressive than comparable V8-powered cars of the era. The air-cooled engine design also meant that it could be susceptible to overheating, especially in hot weather or during prolonged periods of high-speed driving.The Corvair’s handling, however, was generally praised.
Its rear-engine layout, coupled with a relatively low center of gravity, gave it a nimble and responsive feel on the road. The car’s independent suspension also contributed to its excellent handling characteristics.
Driving Experience
The 1968 Corvair offered a unique driving experience. The air-cooled engine provided a smooth and quiet operation, while the car’s handling was agile and engaging. However, the Corvair’s performance was somewhat limited, and its rear-engine layout could make it prone to oversteer, especially when driven aggressively.
Overall, the 1968 Corvair was a car that emphasized handling and efficiency over outright power, making it a fun and engaging car to drive, particularly in the hands of a skilled driver.
Design and Styling
The 1968 Chevrolet Corvair, despite its final year of production, retained the distinct design language that had defined the model since its inception in 1960. It was a compact car with a rear-engine, air-cooled layout, a configuration that set it apart from the majority of its contemporaries.
This unique design offered advantages in terms of passenger space and handling, but it also contributed to some of the car’s challenges, particularly in terms of safety and reliability.The 1968 Corvair, in its final iteration, showcased a blend of familiar styling cues and subtle refinements.
The most significant changes were concentrated in the front fascia, where a redesigned grille and bumper were introduced. These updates aimed to modernize the car’s appearance and align it with the prevailing automotive design trends of the late 1960s.
Interior Design and Features
The interior of the 1968 Corvair reflected the car’s compact dimensions, offering a functional and comfortable cabin for its occupants. The dashboard design was characterized by its simplicity and practicality, with a focus on providing essential information to the driver.
The instrument cluster, typically featuring a speedometer, fuel gauge, and temperature gauge, was clearly visible and easy to read.The Corvair’s interior was also notable for its generous use of vinyl upholstery, which was common in cars of this era. While vinyl offered durability and ease of cleaning, it could sometimes feel somewhat spartan and less luxurious than the cloth upholstery found in some higher-end vehicles.
The 1968 Corvair was available in a range of trim levels, each offering its own unique set of features and amenities. The base model, the “500,” provided the essentials, while the higher-end “Monza” trim level included additional features such as bucket seats, a center console, and a sporty steering wheel.
The 1968 Chevrolet Corvair, a rear-engined compact car, was a departure from the typical American car of the time. While it was praised for its handling and fuel efficiency, it also faced criticism for its safety concerns. In contrast, the 1987 Chevrolet Silverado , a full-size pickup truck, represented a shift towards power and durability.
The Corvair, despite its flaws, remains a significant part of Chevrolet’s history, showcasing the brand’s willingness to experiment and innovate.
Comparison with Previous and Subsequent Model Years
The 1968 Corvair, as the final model year, marked the end of an era for this unique American car. Compared to its predecessors, the 1968 model year showcased a gradual evolution of the Corvair’s design language. While the basic shape and layout remained largely consistent, subtle refinements were introduced throughout the car’s lifespan, including updates to the grille, taillights, and interior trim.The 1968 Corvair’s styling was distinct from the subsequent model years, as there were no direct successors to the Corvair.
The discontinuation of the Corvair in 1969 left a void in Chevrolet’s lineup, and the company eventually moved on to other models that were more aligned with the evolving automotive landscape.
Production and Sales: 1968 Chevrolet Corvair
The 1968 Chevrolet Corvair was produced during a period of significant decline for the model, reflecting the growing concerns about its safety and the increasing popularity of other compact cars. Despite facing these challenges, Chevrolet continued to manufacture the Corvair, albeit in reduced numbers compared to previous years.
The 1968 model year marked the final year of production for the Corvair, and the company made efforts to improve the car’s image and address some of the safety concerns that had plagued it.
Production Numbers
The production numbers for the 1968 Corvair reflect the model’s declining popularity. Chevrolet produced a total of 23,234 Corvairs in 1968, a significant decrease from the peak production years of the early 1960s.
The 1968 Chevrolet Corvair, known for its rear-engine layout and distinctive styling, was a popular choice for those seeking a compact and affordable car. While the Corvair’s design was innovative, it faced criticism for its handling characteristics, particularly in the event of a sudden maneuver.
In contrast, the 1969 Chevrolet Bel Air , a full-sized model, was known for its spacious interior and traditional body-on-frame construction. The Corvair, despite its shortcomings, remained a significant part of Chevrolet’s history, demonstrating the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive design.
Sales Figures and Market Reception
The sales figures for the 1968 Corvair mirrored the production numbers, indicating a continued decline in demand for the model. While Chevrolet made efforts to improve the car’s image, the negative publicity surrounding its safety issues had a lasting impact on its sales performance.
Factors Influencing Sales Performance
Several factors contributed to the Corvair’s declining sales in 1968:
- Safety Concerns:The Corvair had been the subject of intense scrutiny and criticism over its handling and safety, particularly in Ralph Nader’s influential book “Unsafe at Any Speed.” These concerns had a significant impact on public perception and sales.
- Competition:By 1968, the compact car market had become increasingly competitive, with other manufacturers offering a wide range of alternatives to the Corvair. These competitors often featured improved safety features and more conventional designs, making them more appealing to consumers.
- Shifting Consumer Preferences:The late 1960s saw a shift in consumer preferences towards larger, more powerful cars, as well as a growing interest in sporty coupes and convertibles. The Corvair, with its relatively small size and engine, was less appealing to this emerging market segment.
Legacy and Impact
The 1968 Chevrolet Corvair, despite its controversial history, left an enduring mark on the automotive industry and popular culture. Its innovative design and engineering, while ultimately leading to safety concerns, sparked important discussions about vehicle safety and consumer protection. The Corvair’s legacy continues to be explored and debated, reminding us of the complex relationship between technological advancements, consumer expectations, and public perception.
The Corvair’s Impact on Automotive Safety
The Corvair’s safety issues, particularly its tendency to roll over in certain driving conditions, sparked widespread public concern and scrutiny. Ralph Nader’s influential book, “Unsafe at Any Speed,” published in 1965, brought these issues to the forefront of the national conversation.
The book, which criticized the Corvair’s design and General Motors’ response to safety concerns, became a catalyst for the modern consumer safety movement and led to significant changes in automotive safety regulations.
- Increased Emphasis on Safety Features:The Corvair controversy led to the development and implementation of new safety features, such as seat belts, padded dashboards, and stronger side impact protection. These innovations became standard equipment on most cars, significantly improving passenger safety.
- Enhanced Vehicle Testing:The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) was established in 1970, in part due to the public outcry surrounding the Corvair’s safety. The NHTSA conducts rigorous crash testing and sets safety standards for all new vehicles, ensuring a higher level of safety for consumers.
- Consumer Advocacy:The Corvair controversy empowered consumers to become more active advocates for their safety. Consumer organizations like the Center for Auto Safety emerged to monitor vehicle safety and push for stricter regulations.
The Corvair’s Cultural Significance, 1968 Chevrolet Corvair
The Corvair became a cultural icon, symbolizing both innovation and controversy. Its distinctive design, with its rear-engine layout and sleek styling, made it a popular choice among drivers seeking a sporty and unique car. However, its safety issues and the public debate surrounding them also made the Corvair a symbol of corporate negligence and the dangers of unchecked technological advancement.
- A Symbol of Automotive Innovation:The Corvair’s rear-engine design was a bold departure from the conventional front-engine layout, demonstrating Chevrolet’s willingness to push the boundaries of automotive engineering. It attracted a loyal following of drivers who appreciated its performance and handling.
- A Focal Point of Safety Concerns:The Corvair became synonymous with automotive safety concerns, sparking a national debate about vehicle design, consumer protection, and the role of government regulation. Its story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of thorough safety testing and the need for accountability in the automotive industry.
- A Source of Cultural Commentary:The Corvair’s story has been explored in various forms of popular culture, including books, movies, and television shows. These portrayals often reflect the societal anxieties of the time, exploring themes of consumerism, technological advancement, and corporate responsibility.
Final Review
The 1968 Chevrolet Corvair represents a fascinating moment in automotive history. While its legacy remains complex, its impact on the industry and its place in popular culture are undeniable. Despite the challenges it faced, the Corvair’s innovative design and engineering advancements continue to inspire enthusiasts and collectors alike.
The 1968 model year stands as a testament to the Corvair’s ability to evolve and adapt, showcasing its enduring appeal and its place in the annals of American automotive history.
