Archive for the ‘Feature’ Category

Microcar Face-Off – 1969 Subaru 360 vs. 2005 Smart Fortwo Passion

December 24, 2015

When we think of the “golden age” of the micro car, it’s likely the 1950s and 1960s come to mind. For North American purposes, the thread of the microcar pretty much ran out once the safety bar was raised in the early 1970s, struggling on in the form of oddball electric cars like the Citicar and Zagato Elcar. In 2008, though, Smart put an end to that dry spell by bringing its Fortwo coupe to the market. Interestingly, the Fortwo and Subaru have as much in common as they do differences – quirky styling? Check. Small dimensions? Check. Good fuel economy? Check. Rear engine? Check. Speaking of checking, check out this 1969 Subaru 360 for sale for $3900 in Forest Grove, OR.

1969 Subaru 360 left side

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A Little Fitchy – 1965 Chevrolet Corvair 500 Coupe

December 23, 2015

If you’ll indulge one more rear-engined American feature (come to think of it, are there any others your average person can buy?), the real lookers of the Corvair family are the second series car. Given the whole legal mess, the introduction of the Chevy II compact, and slim profit margins, it’s a bit of a miracle the second generation even made it to production. But thank goodness it did, because while the first generation car certainly had strong influence on car designers, German ones especially, the second generation was arguably the best looking economy car ever built in America. Maybe that sounds like a back-handed compliment, but it’s not meant that way – creating an economy car that’s fun and good looking is not something many manufacturers have achieved. Check out this 1965 Chevrolet Corvair 500 Coupe for sale for $3000 somewhere near San Pablo, CA.

1965 Chevrolet Corvair 500 coupe above

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Morevair – 1961 Chevrolet Corvair Lakewood Pair

December 19, 2015

To have a full look at utilitarian Corvairs, you can’t omit the Lakewood station wagon. Only built for the 1961 and 1962 model years, they’re a fairly rare version of the Corvair, yet a look round online listings turns up two of these interesting cars within budget. The styling of these is quite interesting, like a checklist of early 1960s GM design cues minus the gaudy chrome grill, and a dash of VW Type 3 thrown in when you consider the proportions and rear fender vents. Check out this 1961 Chevrolet Corvair Lakewood for sale for $3500 in Belmont, CA.

1961 Chevrolet Corvair 2 Lakewood left front

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