DuckTruck
Well-Known Member
Hey, hey! Go easy on the Corvair! I've owned a '63 Convertible model since April of '84. I bought it from the parents of a dear friend from my high school days. Her folks bought it new. I've driven it up and down the Oregon Coast, the length of the Columbia River Gorge, and around Mount Hood, several times each. Never flipped it once! Drove it to L.A. when I moved there in '85, and to Idaho for a move in '86. Ultimately, I had it and other toys trucked back to Oregon when I transferred home in '91.
In 1965, a sad man by the name of Ralph Nader did a nasty hit piece on the U.S. auto industry, specifically picking on the Corvair in "UNSAFE AT ANY SPEED". Yep, he used ALL CAPS to get his name out there as a "CONSUMER CRUSADER".
I suspect Ralph was badly bullied as a kid and likely wanted his lack of joy in the world to be shared by all. A little known fact I found in my research is that his family tired of the gloom young Ralphie cast over everything and so dubbed him "The Grinch" in the late 1930's.
Rumor has it several families around Nader's childhood home experienced many damaged gifts being opened on Christmas Day each year. Things like BB Guns with crimped barrels, rendering them unfunctional and Teddy Bears with their stitched-in ceramic eyeballs plucked out, never to choke the darling kid receiving little Teddy. If it had been a thing back then, the family likely would have invented the title "O.G." for the "Original Grinch".
(Side note: I wonder if "Ralphie", the lead character in the classic "A Christmas Story" was given that name as some strange acknowledgement for all of the Red Ryder BB Guns Nader was alleged to have disabled in his youth.)
I was stunned to find out that Nader had just started in law school when Dr. Seuss published "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!". Maybe Ralph was enraptured with the topic of Divorce Court that day. Maybe he was busy dreaming about how best to ruin someone's joy by serving papers during the first days of a litigant's family vacation, especially their Christmas Vacation!
Either way, Ralph's probably still kicking himself for not copyrighting his nickname or trademarking the "O.G." moniker before that fateful day in 1957. Or, it could be that Dr. Seuss is actually a real Doctor and a close relative who was simply documenting young Ralph's disdain for joy in others and decided to go public. You know, out him, save the public, and salvage Christmas forever. While you're at it, make a few bucks and start a beloved literary empire that kids and parents will love and cherish FOREVER. Let's face it, the image of the Grinch does look pretty familiar, right?
Back to the Corvair. I'm not sure Ralph ever had a driver's license (OK, OK! He probably got it on his fourth try. In fact, he once owned a Corvair). But he clearly has never been a car enthusiast, Therefore, listening to Ralph Nader talk about anything automotive makes about as much sense as getting marriage advice from Taylor Swift. Turn to Hagerty for advice about cars, and maybe to that other famous Taylor (Liz) for advice about marriage. Who knows more?
Will the Corvair Kill You? | Hagerty Behind the Wheel - Episode 1
Let's face it, the Edsel was a strange one, but it did push some buttons when it was released. Maybe not good buttons, but it did push some, mostly in the styling arena. That alone apparently qualified it for consideration for COTY. Maybe there wasn't much competition that year(?). Maybe a certain family curried favor. Like it or not, those iconic sleds are still collectible and some car nuts and cultural and Mid-Century and Contemporary art fans love seeing them around.
Aaannnyyyway, the Corvair was an air-cooled, rear boxer-engined vehicle that was very different from anything ever made in the States. Like it or not, it was quite unique. It's also a kick in the ass to drive, especially once the old bias-ply tires are dumped in favor of modern radial sport tires. One of my dreams for "How Best To Waste Money In My Second Childhood" is to get that thing converted into a convertible EV at some point.
There are different vendors around that will perform the same conversion they do on Volkswagen Beetles (an un-named friend here gave me the referral). That is, they will put a battery in the front end (the original American Frunk), and an electric motor in the back to drive the rear wheels. I think it might become the first and only Corvair Convertible EV in the world, mainly because nobody else is stupid enough to do it. The thing is, I'm just the guy to cross that line!
Feeling a smidgen of remorse for being so harsh on Ralph, I felt compelled to start a fan club for him. The effort started all the way back upon my move to California. I called my group "Friends Of Nader". Sadly, I was the only member. Try as I did to grow the club, no other Corvair owners felt any love for the man (at least none of those who survived the ownership experience). I felt so strongly about the mission, I convinced the State to give me the special plate puctured below. Unfortunately, I had to abbreviate the name of the club to fit it on the plate. I know I've shown it previously in another thread, but I don't believe I bored you with the whole story at that point.
For similar reasons, I hope to one day start a fan club for Taylor Swift. I'm still working on how that plate will read (and how to grow the membership)... With but a six-character maximum in Oregon, I'm not sure they'll allow me to shorten it to: I
TAYL , but then, I never thought California would allow me to honor Ralph as I did. Time will tell. I'd love to put a fun plate on my Rivian, but likely won't seek to honor Ralph or Taylor in doing so....Until then, this one's for you, Ralph....
Merry Christmas (or holiday of your choice) to all, and to all, a Happy New Year!
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