Unsafe At Any Speed? 1966 Chevrolet Corvair Corsa - Jay Leno's Garage

Jay takes a close look at the Corvair and dispels some of the myths related to its creation and demise.
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ABOUT JAY LENO'S GARAGE ON CNBC
Hosted by legendary comedian and “Tonight Show” host Jay Leno, the series explores our obsession with all things automotive. From classic cars to supercars and everything in-between, Jay is hitting the road to discover the most exciting, weird and wonderful vehicles ever made and meet the passionate people behind their wheels. Each one-hour themed episode features a mix of stunts, challenges, reviews, and celebrity interviews that showcases the colorful history of the automobile. Whether he’s exploring the story of an iconic brand, road-testing the newest super car, or investigating the latest automotive innovations, there is no wheel Jay won’t get behind to tell the story of our love affair with the car.
About Jay Leno: Acclaimed TV late night show host, admired stand-up comedian, best-selling children’s book author, much-in-demand corporate speaker, lovable TV and movie voice-over artist, pioneering car builder and mechanic, and philanthropist…it’s no wonder that Jay Leno is widely characterized as “the hardest working man in show business.”
Unsafe At Any Speed? 1966 Chevrolet Corvair Corsa - Jay Leno's Garage
• Unsafe At Any Speed? 1...
Jay Leno's Garage
/ jaylenosgarage

[@drewp.weiner2473]

This show is better now than ever. When its just you and the camera, the video’s are the most genuine and relatable.

[@ShelbyBikeBoy]

COMPLETELY CONCUR Jay!!!

[@theestate12]

Almost alone. Cneck the reflection at 6:58

[@BadBlonde-CarHistory]

Totally

[@ericbelletynee5448]

Yeah the shooting is almost perfect, unless you studied cinematography

[@drewp.weiner2473]

@@ericbelletynee5448 it’s a KZbin video, not a feature film. Who really cares about the cinematography of youtube videos.

[@MakeWayForTheLion]

Jay's such a pro that he apologizes for pandemic editions saying he has to record these videos on his own, but even on his own these videos are produced better than the most other car reviews on KZbin.

[@nathanjoseph4284]

Jay Leno is basically the Doug DeMuro of the classic car world :)

[@PU8698]

I like these more than the "regular" videos

[@ModelA]

Yes! But, as an auto KZbinr myself... Ouch.

[@gaveintothedarkness]

Well he still has a professional production team backing him. I think Jay means he films himself.

[@jefferyepstein9210]

@@nathanjoseph4284 Except Jay is a man not a soy boy simp

[@riverraisin1]

The fact that Jay acknowledges, waves, and converses with fans on the road says everything you need to know about him.

[@JosephHowes2003]

Assuming that he does the same off camera. I'm guessing that he does but you never know.

[@danf321]

@@JosephHowes2003 Jay does act like a real human off camera. I live in Burbank and I often see Jay in one of his cars. I honk & wave, and he waves back and says “Hi”.. I’ve seen him our local Automotive/ Airplane book store and he’s a regular guy and talks to everyone.

[@JosephHowes2003]

@@danf321 that's good to know.

[@poppachoppa8956]

@@JosephHowes2003 well I think we know who to look for if Jay goes missing LMAO

[@RandyFelts2121]

and he always says we did it.

[@leokimvideo]

Jay's saved us from a Covid meltdown with his excellent verbal on priceless cars

[@andrewhatton1606]

You get rid of that spider problem?

[@tedecker3792]

When Ralph Nader spoke at the University of South Dakota, we picked him up at the airport in a white Corvair convertible!

[@loyevangelists]

HaHa! Good one! i would have loved to see his face when he realized that he was going to be riding in a Corvair

[@marcryvon]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 Great !

[@wmw3629]

I went to hear him speak. He signed his newest book I had just bought. “To William, drive safely in your Corvair!” He couldn’t have been nicer to me. A memorable moment!

[@jaypeterson7637]

😳😬😜😂😂😂

[@campbellpaul]

He really gets a bad rap, but he helped standardize seatbelts and automobile safety standards

[@bux49]

I had a 1965 110 HP Corvair when I was in High School. One day my Mom and I were on our way somewhere and in those days the California Highway Patrol performed roadside inspections. We were pulled over into a inspection station. The inspection officer was at the front of my Corvair and asked me if I had an inside hood release ? I told the officer in front of his fellow officers that the engine, which was running, was in the back. He had me get out and open the back while his fellow officers had a good laugh. He didn't know anything about the engine and gave me a sticker. My Dad sold it when I went into the Service.

[@johncastillo2194]

They gave you a sticker?

[@dons.9842]

Similar experience. My 1963 was only the 80 H.P. version with a three speed manual. Not very quick, but handled really well.

[@dons.9842]

(Con’t). My parents also sold mine when I went into the Army in 1966.

[@bux49]

@@johncastillo2194 The CHP issues s "passed highway inspection sticker" that went on the windshield. I was once in a group of fellow hot rodders and we were all pulled over. One of the hot rodders was a CHP himself. As the police were at the back car this CHP hot rodder walked down the line of cars and placed a sticker on every car before the police got to the next one. Ha, ha, ha !

[@05EVORS]

@@bux49 now they go after you for aftermarket heatshields on your turbo and force you to a 'smog' refferree for having 'suspicious' underhood equipt and the car has to stay parked for months until a reff appointment is available. Things got way worse as bad as the inspections used to be. Now CA does NOT do ANY safety inspections at all(only smog) This review is a perfect anology to the fake liberal news of DANGEROUS Covid flu and the DANGEROUS Corvair...proves that the public will believe anything the media states as a fact that 'experts' say is true lol.

[@josephleach5840]

Jay Leno is a real American treasure 😊I really appreciate these shows and Jay

[@geraldarcuri9307]

Probably one of the best looking, timeless cars to ever be made.

[@BartBart22]

In America.

[@missinformed4269]

Really beautiful especially red with black interior.

[@pixelnazgul]

color

[@abef.9085]

Had one...Fun!

[@abef.9085]

@@jimbojones101 You Bet!..50"s all around..4 Speed..Duel exhaust..Craiger Rim"s...

[@timhancock6626]

That is a design that will never age.

[@BadBlonde-CarHistory]

:)

[@kenhoward3512]

You mean, like the Nissan Juke?

[@narvul]

It already has.

[@The_sinner_Jim_Whitney]

Man, that thing looks GREAT with those rally wheels, I’ve never seen a Corvair with them before. Makes me want one.

[@PhilG999]

Those and the Corvette Rally wheels were awesome! Had them on my '71 Camaro (which I built from a $100.00 roller). Car looked good, ran like stink with the '67 327 I built and 4-speed from '67 Olds 442 (yeah, it was a mutt). Looked like a debadged Z28. Bright white, Sapphire hood and trunk stripes which I painted myself. I miss that car...

[@RohanSanjith]

@@PhilG999 you from Texas County?

[@The_sinner_Jim_Whitney]

@@PhilG999 That’s my favorite Camaro body style (before the ugly rubber noses, I think til ‘72?). I had a ‘79 El Camino that I bought with a ‘68 327 and a four-speed (eventually a heads/cam aluminum L33 5.3 with a Tremec TKO 5-speed and a 3.89:1 posi disc brake Currie 9”) that had 15x8” Corvette Rallies with Disc Brake caps (eventually 17x8” billet AR Rallies) on it, satin black with the single strip of aluminum trim running from bumper to bumper and over the wheelwell arches, THAT thing was a laugh factory and pretty cool-looking to boot. I hate myself every day for trading it off right after I got it ‘finished’ (they never really are) for a 4WD truck when I got my first really good job and needed reliability. I should’ve hung onto it and bought a reliable FWD cheapo economy car to drive to work. I’ll get another one someday, or maybe a ‘70 split bumper Camaro.

[@The_sinner_Jim_Whitney]

@John Jackson I assumed they were a weirdo pattern, I’m super-impressed with how good they look/fit.

[@PhilG999]

@@RohanSanjith No. Atlanta Georgia.

[@neilhaas2947]

I love how Jay always credits the car as the reason people smile and wave at him. Such a modest man.

[@bugman34202]

Jay , I really appreciate your spotlight on the Corvair. My dad was a Corvair fanatic ! We had the Coupes, the Sedans, the Greenbrier Vans, the sidegate pick-up , the Stationwagon, at anytime there was 10 or 15 Corvairs on our lot. In my teens I became a pretty good Corvair mechanic. I had my personal 140hp that I did a little tweaking to, I don't know how much extra HP the re-jetted Carter carbs or the Headers with Glass-packs added, or "Coil-over shocks in the rear, 14" American Mags with Tiger-Paws all around, I had to move the spare tire up front to balance the feel. I ran the quarter in the 13-14's ! No Turbo , no Nitrous ! Long live the CORVAIR ! Yes I did keep an extra belt , just in case ! Thanks, Joe B.

[@gregthroop4725]

Friend of mines older brother also had a lightly breathed on Corsa w/ the single 4 barrel that also ran 13-14 second 1/4 miles.....wild stuff, sort of lit my fuse for the 5 Corvairs that followed.

[@user-dw5sj2ox8n]

Spare belt AND a wrench to adjust the tensioner pulley 🙂

[@SteveD328]

10 to 15 years ago, there was a Corvair of that same body style that sat at the Palomar Airport in Carlsbad, CA that had a Ralph Nader For President bumper sticker in the back window.

[@tkreitler]

I've always thought that, from a design standpoint, the second generation Corvair is one of the best looking cars America has made.

[@thebeaniestbeanboys5735]

I quite like the 1st gen tbh.

[@VirtualGuth]

I love the look of the 2nd generation Corvair's like this one. (The silver rear-end of the Corsa models looks especially nice.) It might not suit everyone's taste, but I find this to be one of the most striking American car designs of all time. My parents owned both 1st gen and 2nd gen examples back in the day.

[@originaLkomatoast]

I always thought the early versions looked like a bar of soap.

[@stevenlindsey2056]

I owned a 63 and a 64 . My dad and I stuffed a 500 Cadillac in one.

[@-oiiio-3993]

@@stevenlindsey2056 Ouch.

[@TopG800]

It is so underrated

[@TopG800]

It is basically a Porsche, comes with a turbo option, flat 6 or 4 cylinder boxer, rear engine, fun to drive

[@dennyny8]

One of my favorite cars. Absolutely beautiful.

[@terryforbes4038]

I was 16 in 1964. I was offered a 1963 Corvare Monza. A family friend wanted nothing to do with it when he encountered rear wheel hop at 75 mph. I added some bolt on suspension parts and converted the twin carbs to a 4- Barrel. Fantastic driver and surprisingly competitive. Terry&ThePirates South Florida

[@bencezavarko7312]

These videos are so heart warming. You can feel the geniune love Jay has for his cars. This has to be one of the most wholesome channels on YT

[@rebelboy77collins82]

Yes any age group can watch this and learn alot to

[@haon4562]

My first car in high school. Nice red color 65 Corvair. Have to thank Ralf Nader for his book that scared previous owner into selling it cheap. I added oversize radial tires, heavy duty shocks and high speed steering arm. Great handling car and never got stuck in the snow. Sold it to a friend who passed it on to a dune buggy builder. Constructed to compete in the Baha 500.

[@julianosante7134]

My Dad had on of those in some light, light green color that I suppose was cool at the time. Sold it to get married to my Mom. He drives an Audi A7 now, which is, by his own admission, the best car he's ever owned BUT, he fondly remembers and misses the Corvair. You can tell by the tone in his voice every time he tells a story involving that car (of which there are many).

[@zzkeokizz]

My parents had two in a row. Oddly enough they didn’t get killed. Instead, they managed to raise a family. They even made it to retirement. Amazing!!!

[@commando8088]

I dont buy the classic cars thing are unsafe. I was born in 1999. My first car was a 64 impala, I flipped it when I was a stupid 18 year old at 80 mph. No injuries. Past 4 years I daily a 69 impala. Still dont wear my safety belt. I feel very safe in my american tank

[@markr5132]

We had 6 kids in our family mom had a 62 the a 65 Corvair both black, my mom and sisters loved them and drove the heck out of them. .Dad put a sack or two of concrete during the winter to weight the front end so it handled better in the snow. I remember many Sunday evening drives were I layed down in the package tray area behind the rear seat and slept while the engine kept me warm.

[@MrTomengle]

My Mom had a station wagon.

[@estpst]

My grandfather had one, and my dad said he rolled it. My dad always said he told my grandfather not to buy it, my grandfather always did what he wanted,.

[@markr5132]

@@estpst What year was it? 65's and later were much almost impossible to roll unless you hit a curb or pothole while sliding. Ralf Nader was/is and card carrying Communist and wanted to hurt our biggest Co. at the time, his books claims about the Corvair were 100% filled with lies 1/2 truths and exaggerations GM proved this in Court a few years after the bogus trial where some rich kids daddy sued GM because he rolled a grossly overloaded Corvair that was speeding and hit a crosswind.

[@hipcat13]

I had a couple of these, absolutely fantastic cars! One time I asked a friend (a fellow Corvair owner) to help me take a V8 into the machine shop. He shows up in his '66 Corvair Monza and I'm like "How we gonna get the engine to the shop"? He's like we'll just put the block in the front, it'll be fine. When we got it in it sat there like it was made to be there. When we got it to the shop the guys were looking around for a truck to unload but were amazed to see the V8 nestled between the wheel wells. They even took pictures. When we brought the motor home we transported it in something more suitable: A Rampside pick up.

[@harryplummer6356]

I'm glad you too liked your Corvair. I had one for nearly 4 years and just loved it!

[@sargefreedom1578]

LM Corvairs are timeless. My daughters drove a 65 Corvair to high school and nobody knew what is was. My wife has a 63 Spyder I am nearly done with getting it back on the road, 4 speed, 150hp turbo, convertible...looking forward to Sunday drives in it. Thanks Jay Leno for keeping the car bug alive and the love of classic Corvairs.

[@ProfessorFate]

I recall my Corvair well. My first car was a hand-down from my parents in 1968 when I got my drivers license. It was a beige ‘64 Monza sedan with the two speed “power-glide” automatic and air conditioning. Ugly through and through. As a kid I discovered it could reach 94 mph with the ac on and 100 with it off. The heavy rear end was a real issue when roads were wet. If you took a corner with any speed, the rear would easily break traction and swing around converting your intended 90 degree turn into a 270. The dashboard had a “gen” light and a “overtemp” light. When the fan belt broke, the “gen” light would come on. This served as the “two minute warning” that it would soon overtemp since the fan was no longer running. Putting a new belt on was a shop job since the AC coil mounted horizontally over the fan and needed to be unbolted to replace the belt over the fan pulley. I read the Nader book. As I recall, he made the issue about the sheet metal front end and the non-collapsible steering column. In relatively slow speed front collisions the front would crush and push the steering wheel back where it would catch the driver under the chin and break his neck. Thus, SAE reports aside, you had some drivers horrifically killed in slow speed accidents that would have been easily survivable in front engine cars. That’s what made it newsworthy. But, It got me to and from my first job where I earned the cash to buy a used ‘66 GTO. In retrospective, the GTO was far more likely to get me killed. Somehow I survived and grew up. Today, I’m more of an old Prius guy.

[@hiram1115]

My family refurbished a 1964 corvair convertible for my son. His mother and grandmother watched youtube videos on body work and fixed rusted holes in the side. He and I replaced parts on the engine and rewired it to factory settings and it fired and ran. We got all the lights working and taught him how to drive a stick in that car. We worked the entire summer and most of the fall on that car. He drove it his senior year. Last summer he bought a mustang for his college car. The corvair was always his baby. He was so proud of it and the way everyone treated him as he drove it around town. Sadly, my boy passed away this year from a embolism. Unexpected tragedy. He wasn't sick. He was in Air Force ROTC and was so excited to work to be a pilot. I miss him every day. I'm currently working on the corvair so I can drive it. Just once a week or so in his honor. Just to remember him. I'd made a similar comment earlier, then linked a writeup his bosses had done for a go fund me, but I didn't want donations, just someone to read about my son and how wonderful your kids can be when you aren't looking. If you Google Nikolai Hill and go fund me you'll find it. I'm not asking for funds. Just for you to know my son so his memory goes on. I miss that kid.

[@jaygatz4335]

So sorry for your loss. How nice that you spent quality time with your son and that he had a rewarding (but all too short) life. His spirit will certainly be with you in that Corvair.

[@rickwhite5278]

Jay is always a gentleman! Watch him wave and say hello to the “white haired lady, just like him who likes his Corvair”. Classic video, classic Jay.

[@ihateusernames2006]

Yep, I was picking up a car from the place around the corner from his place. I was walking across the street and he came barreling around the corner. He apologized as he went whipping by me. When someone almost kills you in L.A., they never do that. Props to Jay.

[@michaelwoodward2824]

I was having a conversation with Jay at the Rock Store in Malibu when a "white-haired" old lady came up to talk to him. Jay said to me, "excuse me for a moment" so he could talk to her. Great guy.

[@TomParmenter]

I was trying to break into TV. I met Jay Leno when he was a local comic. "See you at the top!" he said jauntily. I'm still trying to get to the top.

[@smallstudiodesign]

If it wasn’t for the pandemic lockdown and being home so much I’d never have had so much extra time to watch these ... certainly it took the pandemic to even discover this show on KZbin. I remember it from years ago ... glad he’s still doing them.

[@eurospec]

My wife and I love Corvairs! My wife drives a '65 Monza, I had a '64 Greenbrier van, and now a '63 Rampside truck. Love these things. I have an air cooled 911 and find the Corvairs just as much fun due to the diversity of cars that were built. Put together correctly, and you essentially have a first gen 911 with American styling...and we all know how air cooled 911 pricing has been going the past few years. You can still get these for a total bargain

[@pclayton5063]

I had a first generation 63 Corvair back in 1973. I was driving over the C&D Canal bridge (4 lane) near Chesapeake City, MD in the passing lane, when a gust of wind blew me into the outside lane with no warning and no steering input on my behalf. It's a tall bridge and that increased pucker factor immediately. Got home and added about 100 pounds of sandbags into the front trunk. There was also a Crown conversion for the later models that installed a small block Chevy V8 into the area where the back seat was previously located. Now that was a great handling car.

[@writerconsidered]

I love the fact that Jay will say hi to anyone on the street.

[@censport]

He did the same when he visited the car museum where I work. It was cool to watch.

[@ahuehuete4703]

He is a classy guy.

[@rossmartens]

The best thing that's happened because of covid is jay showing us his collection one at a time just him and his love of his collection don't stop jay till we have seen them all

[@carlcarlamos9055]

Ralph Nader was off the mark about the Corvair, but he did all motorists a good turn by being a big push behind the switch to the use of Jersey Barriers instead of the timber and plank barriers used on construction projects.This has saved many lives and prevented many injuries. Younger people don’t know about this, but I’m sure Jay does, because he is my age. If you got in an accident, and the vehicle rode up on one of those timbers,it would likely run along several of them,with the planks coming in the windows. One of my neighbors worked on that project for Mr. Nader. The least we owe them for that is a kind thank you. Take care. Thanks for the video Jay Leno.

[@TheGbeecher]

Styling of the '65 - '69 is one of the most beautiful cars ever...even today 😍

[@revrocks3]

I too, think the Corvair (especially this one) is one of the best looking cars of the day. The styling is just fantastic!

[@-oiiio-3993]

One can definitely see origins of the early Camaro in the late Corvair.

[@0neIntangible]

@@-oiiio-3993 yeah, me too...definitely one of the first "pony cars".

[@steveblixt9437]

Listening to Jay talk about cars is like listening to an encyclopedia on the auto industry. His breadth of knowledge is astounding and it shows his life long passion for cars.

[@billchessell8213]

In 1965 I was 16. My neighbor had an Olds Jetfire in I962. An Internet search says the Corvair Turbo was introduced in 1965. It never in my wildest dreams occured to me that the Corvair had the first Turbo. In 1972 my girl friend had a Corvair Monza. I tore it down and then decided to give it to a mechanic... too damn many parts. (I owned a VW) Never did it occur to me that the Corvair came out as competition for the Valent et al. Valient, Falcon, Corvair, what else? They ALL came out as competition for the VW. VW was kickin' everybodies behind because American car companies were, let's here it Jay, infatuated with "Longer, leaner, lower." When America saw the simple to repair, inexpensive to maintain, drive up the side of a cliff, float down river VW, pass up every gas station in town they all wanted one of those. Jay evidently was born just a little too late.

[@shawnweed265]

He is like an automotive Rosetta stone...He is one of those rare people who has knowledge of those cars of yesteryear the younger generation have never even heard of, but also has a breadth of knowledge of current car models and manufacturers.

[@edwatts9890]

@@billchessell8213Corvair turbo ("Spyder") arrived with the 1962 model year.

[@billyhack9673]

I drove one of these through box canyon outside of Thermal, CA, in the sixties. I was really blown away. Jay, you really understand these cars. Please do a show on the Chevy Vega, which was also a great car in its last year of 1976 when they finally got the engine dialed in.

[@shawnweed265]

@@billyhack9673 When I was a kid in the 70s we had a Vega Wagon...Mechancal/rust issues aside, it was a fine looking car for the period.

[@perfesserbob]

Ahhh, Corvairs. Had a few of them. All had grounding problems. Finally solved it by jamming a piece of metal between the body and the aluminum tail light housing. Ditto on the fan belt problem. Blew a bunch of them. And those brakes....scary scary in the Southern California rain! Had to start pumping them as soon as you got off the 5 if you wanted to stop at the intersection... But the damn things went everywhere! Death Valley, dirt roads and thru the water! I'd do it all over again.

[@johnherdt]

My dad had a stock 1963 Corvair that I drove for a year in college, around 1976. It had a three speed on the floor. My first car was a 1966 GTO and I loved driving the Corvair more. It's suspension was really tight, it didn't float around like most of the cars of the day. Fairly fast steering ratio, no power steering, but the front end was light and it turned easily. Gas mileage in the 20s around town. It felt lower to the ground than other cars that were easy to get into, looking at the highway spooling into the front end of it was really cool.

[@ADPTraining]

I love Jay Leno's Covid Edition videos. They're genuine and enjoyable. This Turbo Corvair I didn't know about it that it existed. Very pretty looking car. Great video Jay.

[@pex_the_unalivedrunk6785]

Same here....I always had thought that they only had supercharged engines with 160 bhp (with 110 bhp being base)...didn't realize they made a turbo one...and I've been a fan of Corvairs for 30 years.

[@BadBlonde-CarHistory]

Agreed!

[@malimrav24]

exact name is CONvid edition videos

[@savage22bolt32]

My neighbor in San Diego county had a Corvair Monza. He stuffed a 283 ci Chevy boat engine in the back, complete with radiator for liquid cooling. Hey Jeff & Dale we had a grand old time in 1980! You still out there?

[@scottwa]

Yeah, mine was a 110 dual carb and I swapped out those for the quad carb setup and 1/4 turn steering setup from my neighbor's 140 when he got into Datsuns for racing instead.

[@The_R-n-I_Guy]

They're such beautiful cars. That era had the best styling

[@kennethscofield4565]

I agree, you could tell the make by looking at it, they all had there own distinct styling !!

[@elit3401]

Beautiful car, I remember riding in one when I was a kid. It actually has more styling than a Mustang of the Era. Thanks, Jay. Love the videos.

[@tWoforgamenot1]

i did too. yes was fast too for then.

[@juanmelendezrivera6085]

Great video and great car! Ralph Nader was writing about the 1962-63 Corvairs. Once the suspension was fixed on 1964, the Corvair was a great classic sport car. With good care for corrosion control, the Corvair can last forever. Thanks for the video.

[@manstersr]

I was a VW mechanic in the 70s and was under the impression that the Corvair had a swing arm rear transaxle like the VW up to 68. What suspension fix are you referring to? Was it a Double jointed CV axle like the VWs went to? I searched it and I was correct. Nader didn't go after VW did he? They didn't have a handling issue other than if you let off the gas while cornering at high speeds.

[@noelfelty338]

Corvair only had swing arm 1960-63. 64 was the last year for swing arm setup but it was improved to include transverse leaf spring, very similar to what empi was doing for Porsche and VW with the camber compensator bar. 1965-69 Corvair’s are all full IRS with no swing axle. VW did not adapt until 68 which maybe your confusion

[@noelfelty338]

Oh and yes Nader did go after VW. He wrote an entire book on VW called Small on Safety in 1972 after the Corvair was found to have no propensity for loss of control or roll over. In the same testing they found the VW was prone to such problems so Nader set his sights there. It is also worthy of note that Unsafe at Any Speed is not a book on the Corvair. It has just a small chapter on the 60-63 Corvair. The book actually praises the 65 design. .08 percent of Unsafe at Any Speed is about a Corvair.

[@billxam2674]

Jay is so good at this - it's like being in the neighbor's garage hanging out. I really like his videos, being able to see and learn about the ACTUAL cars in their natual state.

[@matthew-jy5jp]

Amazing how much knowledge jay has about cars and engines. Always impressed

[@icyhotmike]

I like when he has GM execs on the show and Jay knows more than them

[@yahtzeejimbob]

That's because Jay is 70 years old, like me! So much of what Jay is talking about are from previous experiences in life. I had a 1963 corvair that I bought in 1968 when I was still 17 years old. Only cost me $350 then. Used of course. Four-speed manual, 110 HP. Different body design first generation.

[@kellybuerschinger5767]

Thanks for sharing your collection. These videos are such a pleasure.

[@mr.intensity2685]

Jay, thanks for not rolling BFG tires. Such a breath of fresh air to see car guy not fall for the cliché of tire brands. BFG's on classic and muscle cars is like cops with a mustache!

[@jasonyoung5628]

As I said the other day to the guys at work, the second generation Corvair has the most beautiful C-pillar of any 1960's car.

[@shawnweed265]

It really has great lines. It has aged very well

[@gulliver3644]

And so has Jay.

[@VauxhallViva1975]

Beautiful car.....

[@gneric85]

Like a baby '66 Chevelle. My mom had a '64 and my dad had a Greenbriar van as did my uncle.

[@warrenpuckett4203]

I put 100,000 miles on one. Then I sold it. It was almost my favorite car except for the '66 New Yorker. But if your wallet was a bit short that week. The Corvair wins in that department. Yes you could get over 30 MPG. If you took it real easy. Also Did not mind no A/C our a little less heat. Both used premium gas. Had a friend that had a midship 68 302 Chevy motor in one. Yes 5 point seat belts was really needed in that one. But if you did not mind getting the gear shift or arm rest digging into your side. You could leave it unbuckled.

[@warrenpuckett4203]

Oh and the midship 302 would only do 120 in a quarter mile. The 1st gear full throttle would scatter the spider gears. No not so good for the 1st gear. Too much torque. Also real hard to keep front wheels on the ground so you could steer. Might be why it took so long to do a midship Corvette?

[@richcoleman469]

I bought one exactly like this in 71 when I got out of USAF, but mine was a 65 and had a red interior. Put F70 14s on the back and had the 6.00 13s on front. Also had a telescopic steering wheel. Turbo kicked in at 3000 and sounded like a jet. Handled great and was a lot of fun for$600.

[@jestocost8210]

Great video. My first car was a "65 Corvair. I have had four Corvairs over my time, including 3 series 1's. I loved it and just saw a great one yesterday. Thanks for your great views into car history.

[@scottwa]

As a high schooler, I bought my mom's 1965 Corvair convertible 110. My home room teacher talked me into road racing it at Montauk on Long Island and I had a blast... same class as the Porsches... and I was hanging right with track prepped ones with no experience along with the 2 full turns of the steering wheel lock to lock... I was worn out by the end of the race. Like you said, manual everything... so you had to work to drive it a bit. But an absolute blast once I had the front I-beam that was rusted through replaced and put viton pushrod tube seals in the engine. Great first car... thought about buying another one over the years.

[@nonelost1]

"As a high schooler, I bought my mom's 1965 Corvair convertible 110. My home room teacher talked me into road racing it at Montauk on Long Island and I had a blast..." A high school teacher talked you into ROAD racing?

[@logandarklighter]

​@@nonelost1 High School Teachers weren't always a bunch of SJW Karens. I graduated in 1984. And a lot of them even then were COOL people! As late as the mid-70s there were still school systems in the US that allowed kids to keep shotguns in the racks of their pick-up trucks (hardship drivers license from age 16 of course) and even some schools had SHOOTING TEAMS as part of the curriculum! It was a much better time then.

[@harrygaul4475]

A few of my teachers in high school smoked pot and got stoned together - that was the 70s for ya!

[@scottmcelhiney323]

@@harrygaul4475 Plenty of teachers still smoke pot after hours... at all levels. Difference is that no one cares anymore because it has little of no relationship to their ability to teach. It isn't like they are pulling out a joint and lighting up in the classroom. As opposed to the alcholic ones that are showing up drunk or drinking throughout the day that are a danger to themselves and others.

[@charlescrawford7039]

When I was kid in the early sixties, I had a babysitter who drove a Corvair. Sometimes I went to her house for the babysitting session, and we went in her sporty Corvair. I remember how nifty and bright the vehicle was in in comparison to my dad’s car. I was also fascinated by the automotive details including the taillights and the fact the engine noise came from the rear of the car.

[@markplain2555]

And I'm sure that added to those 'naughty' thoughts you had of your sitter.... (in your later years)

[@falconron4217]

Glad u got the jack to do this. Thanks for the videos and bless you for keeping this old history and Iron going.

[@mattmolson8451]

Awesome videos, I have been a car collector and restorer my entire life. Jay has inspired me to follow in his footsteps, obviously on a smaller scale but keeping the vintage automobile alive. It's how it makes you feel. !!!! "Rolling Art"

[@TS-ef2gv]

I've always loved that mid - late '60s GM styling with the curvy Coke bottle body, that quasi-bubble top roof line, those thin pillars, and just the right angle and curve on the front and rear glass. They looked so light and airy. Gen 2 Corvairs are a great example of peak GM body styling.

[@TechDove]

As is the entire 62-27 run of Corvette.

[@jimbojones101]

Sweet analogy . . . and on point. 😊

[@undertakerfire7810]

First thing Jay said is the truest of them all, it’s all about how it makes you feel:)...

[@jefferyepstein9210]

Absolutely true. To me my 1992 740 Volvo is the best car ever made. An absolute blast to drive. Yes it’s slow but has been faithful for almost 500K miles. I’ll keep it forever if I’m able.

[@matthewlove9191]

@@jefferyepstein9210 Good webernet handle. I wish I had never sold my 81 vw scirocco s. I think it was under 1900 pounds dry.

[@macmclemore]

Only problem is that the libtards that are trying to run the country now have taken that to replace common sense and reasoning...

[@reginaldbowls7180]

So the best car in the world is one with Butt massagers IMO

[@donl1846]

Tell that to Ralph Nader, lol.....

[@ronhumphrey5355]

Hey Jay, appreciate all the car videos you do that surrounds the entire industry and all the guests you have on. It just doesn't get any better mixing the light-hearted theme with the automotive history. Spot on. By the way on the corvair subject, I had both a 64 and 65, two different body styles. On the issue of the fan belt, it does come off when you're in below freezing temperatures and the belt gets stiff. When you first crank the engine and it has been sitting in below freezing temps it flips right off and I can't count how many times I had to get out in the snow and freezing weather and put the belt back on. Just had to mention that because I know it doesn't happen in temperate climates where you are. By the way kudos to you and thanks a million for continuing the show even during the virus shutdowns and with minimal crew. Stellar job even under those conditions. Thanks and keep on with the awesome shows. 👍

[@jeffpoag1415]

Beautiful lines on this generation from 65 to 69. I had a 63 Corvair Monza convertible. I enjoyed it very much. Still miss it. Thanks for sharing this video!!

[@dougclements4294]

I had a 63, which I loved, but borrowed a friend's 180HP 66 and was blown away by how quick it was. I beat anyone who wanted to race, including an Olds 442. This was a truly great little car, and was far safer than Ralph Nader would have you believe. Love this video!

[@timothykeith1367]

Nader's complaint wasn;t specificaly against the Corvair, he hated most automobiles.

[@rherman9085]

Jay makes his videos as if it just us & him. As if each one of his fans are with him one on one just having a chat about that car. Such an awesome opportunity for him to share with us. I am most grateful!

[@therealgaragegirls]

Thank you and your team, Jay! I love the lines of the second-gen Corvair. And being a Porsche girl, I'm all about the flat six. ☺️

[@Edgy01]

We got some interesting attention with our red 1962 Corsair Monza when we took it to Germany in 1964. I loved the car! We used to take it for ski trips into Bavaria and Austria. It was perfectly suitable with the rear drive. Our dad kept a couple of bags of sand in the front trunk-to counter the potential climbing of the nose at speed. Ours was quite simple, as a four banger, without T/C.

[@mikep.5517]

The 2nd generation of that car: It's like the homely larva that was the 1st generation pupated and became the gorgeous 2nd gen butterfly. Such a looker. Beautiful car, Jay.

[@bravofoxable]

One of my uncles had a Corvair and I remember it as the most outlandish cars ever... He bought it new and drove it his whole life, lots of other cars but he kept the Corvair spotless. Very interesting car, and video, thank you

[@edwardmcilwain2139]

I love that Jay is so passionate about Corvairs! My dad was a fanatic..

[@Ritalie]

You know, of all the videos of Jay's that I've watched, I think the Corvair and the 1931 Henderson motorcycle, are 2 of his favorite vehicles. I've never heard Jay compliment any car as much as the Corvair, and I absolutely agree, I always thought they were criminally underrated because of how beautiful they are.

[@az10sbum1]

That brought back some excellent memories for me. I drove a blue 1966 Corvair Corsa when I was in high school and first year of college. About 1975 through 1977 or so. I had the 4 carb 140 horsepower version. I really liked that car. Thanks Jay! I really enjoyed that video

[@jeffreyhubbard4354]

Wish I could give you a hug Jay! A corvair Rampside was my first vehicle, and i caught the corvair bug. thanks for your kind words about these mostly forgotten gems! they weren't bad cars, just misunderstood.

[@zollotech]

Love the Pandemic videos as you show what people into Cars want to see. I would love to see more about the Owens Magnetic as you haven't really shown that in depth.

[@ATomRileyA]

Yeah that would be a good one to revisit

[@alanblanes2876]

These videos are truly great.

[@jasoncarpp7742]

I agree. While I love seeing other people ride with Jay in their cars, with the pandemic, it allowed Jay to enjoy the cars himself, and give a more detailed description of the cars.

[@freakysteve140281]

More motorcycles! I’m sure there are a few he hasn’t shown yet!

[@V8_screw_electric_cars]

Don't worry the scamdemic will go on for quite some time…

[@billarroo1]

I had a 1961 Corvair 2dr in 1964, I was on the Hollywood 170 freeway do 65 mph when the traffic backed up quickly, I braked hard but it was like nothing happened, I quickly whipped into the next right-hand lane which almost didn't work as I realized the front end was floating !! I made it home in one piece. The next day I stopped at Builders Emporium home improvement store, and bought 3 hundred lbs bags of sand and put them under the spare tire. i had no more problem with traction, braking, or steering, actually I had a lot of fun driving mine.

[@annpeerkat2020]

those vw kombi vans used to handle reasonably well.... if you poured concrete over the rear floor ribs for about 3"!

[@rogermenendez4052]

The car looks like a Bertone design. Beautiful.

[@Sulfuron41]

I've driven multiple classics including Rolls-Royces and Bentleys, but my Corvair for some reason would bring tears to individuals' eyes because of the memories it brought back. No other classic has ever done that for me. I miss it!

[@wmhhealth2018]

One of the most beautiful cars of all time. Another Bill Mitchell home run.

[@LanceGrey]

Thanks for showing & taking us for a spin Jay!

[@simonj.7954]

"C'mon let's take a look, I'll show you the front of the car...." ..."C'mon I'll show you the interior.." Jay makes you feel like you're there with him, having a great time!

[@patrickgraham6395]

My wife's grandfather tried to give me his back in the '70's but I was too stupid to take it. I was a hardcore Ford man. Boy, I wish that I had it now..

[@MyLifePixeled]

Never turn away a free car

[@patrickgraham6395]

@@MyLifePixeled Easy lemon learned the hard way.

[@john_barnett]

ralph nader: unsafe at any speed! everyone else: beautiful from any angle

[@aaahtex902]

**Including me!!!**

[@caseym5017]

Must've had a grudge against GM. The VW beetle is way more dangerous

[@johnfaulkner6776]

The triumph herald had a worrisome swing axle but maybe not enough power to be lethal. Know the weakness and drive accordingly? Oh and don't let the money men start removing things like anti roll bars!

[@stevehoffmaster3361]

Nader is a putz

[@kevinwhitted2147]

Nadir was ticked because he didn't get his paid off

[@DoctorJekkyll]

I've got a 66 monza that was left to me. I can't wait to get to it and start restoring it. Love to see you with another corvair.

[@seangeist2134]

Jay has to have a hell of a library on cars. Like to see a episode of his books/shop manuals. Very knowledgeable

[@williamwintemberg]

I had a Corvair with an automatic transmission. It was cheap transportation. I never gave it much thought as to what it was or could be, let alone how I would view it almost 50 years later. Today I view it much differently. Jay is 100% right! The car was way ahead of it's time.

[@patrickgoncalves3878]

I love this KZbin channel. Jay is the most generous and entertaining comedian. Jay is a role model and a treasure to America.

[@robertkeyes258]

I remember living in northwestern Massachusetts and there was a company specializing in Corvair parts. After a long time gone, I went through the area again this Spring and was happy to see they're still present.

[@burridge911]

I love these shows that he does. More personnel and get to hear all of Jay's knowledge that he has a ton of.

[@StergiosX15]

If GM had kept this in production for another five years they would have had a serious competitor against the imports when the fuel embargo hit in 1974.

[@solidbreed9767]

Yess

[@joe6096]

Indeed.

[@kfm908]

I got a Vega!lol

[@spaceghost8995]

Not really. A Honda Civic, Toyota Corona or Datsun 210 got double the fuel mileage of the Corvair.

[@corvettejohn4507]

Well, GM had the Vega. It was Motor Trend's Car of the Year in 1971. Great looking car, too bad it was worse than the Corvair. There was only two things wrong with the Vega, the engine and the body. The crappy engine lasted about 3 years before it needed a complete rebuild and the body rusted away after about 5 years. It was US subcompacts like the Vega that made millions of Americans flock to Datsun and Toyota dealerships for their next car. Oh, and Ed Cole designed the Vega too.

[@Fezzler61]

Stop featuring these great cars. You're driving up the price I'll have to pay to get one someday. (Great show!)

[@reginaldbowls7180]

I know right???? Ugh between this and bring a trailer, LOL

[@Fezzler61]

@@reginaldbowls7180 I think fans of raw power pass on them still. But I want one. '66 seems the way to go. But for a Sunday drive, any year would do.

[@jeffreycarrow8584]

you are right i was looking for my old rambler station the other night the prices they are looking for is totally ridiculos

[@scottwilson2959]

Gorgeous car. Thanks Jay. Really enjoy your videos of these classic beauties.

[@Brian-os9qj]

Gotta luv Jay and his genuine enthusiasm. Like the wheels on this ride

[@boss12]

As a kid, I thought about it not being a muscle car. As a man, I consider this one of the best Chevys ever.

[@reginaldbowls7180]

Imagine a modern day Corvair based on the corvette C8 platform ?

[@theothertonydutch]

It's better for not being a muscle car I would say.

[@boss12]

@@theothertonydutch I just really appreciate the engineering and styling a lot more. Its actually a very innovative design, but not enough people truly appreciated it.

[@boss12]

@@reginaldbowls7180 unheard of. GM will never do something like this again.

[@machtschnell7452]

It never was a "muscle car."

[@markythelarky6948]

Thank you for this Jay. There's a blue one sitting in my grandma's back yard just wasting away. It's actually pretty complete, but hasn't functioned in years. People told me it was a horrible car to want to restore and collect so I never bothered to look into it. Even my neighbor who collects cars said it was garbage. Your video showed me how beautiful it can be. I'll let my grandma know.

[@cherliebravo9044]

Fix it up! They're lovely cars, and there are plenty of clubs and enthusiasts for support

[@huskyvacs]

You need to learn not to listen to other people - especially ignorant low IQ boomers whose only goal is to destroy everything for future generations because they are lazy and stupid. The Corvair is a highly collectible and well regarded car and there are several clubs with thousands of members. FURTHERMORE, you do not need to restore it only but mechanically. Less than $500-$1 grand in parts and it will be good to go. Will need to dismantle both the engine and fuel tank and drivetrain and give it all a thorough cleaning out and re-greasing and make sure it's all spotless. Also inspect all wiring for damage from animals. People make restoring cars more difficult than it actually is.

[@jwpoeschmann9080]

hurry

[@johngaglione4076]

That was my first car! Same color and turbocharged. Brought back memories. The belt problem happened if you did clutch dumps. I learned the hard way.

[@keithhyttinen8275]

Jays Garage. Best show on TV.

[@REPOMAN24722]

My favorite classic chev, it just looks so stylish, looks almost like an Italian car but yet still somehow retains some American styling.

[@solarwave]

I think that model has some Camaro lines in it.

[@joshirwin1]

My dad was a school photographer in Western Colorado. Drove all winter long to little mountain towns in his Covair station wagon. Never had to chain up. The thing was a goat on those snow packed roads.

[@kattcasel9730]

From Colorado as well, and you are right these were great in the snow. Just remember to bring a coat, the heater was warm at best!!

[@emsnewssupkis6453]

If you have studded tires, yes. I use stud tires upstate NY which has even more snow.

[@roysmemorylane]

Jay presents these videos so well. Love it!

[@johnhoyt9073]

takes me back - had a '62. couple of things. when you're in a turn - don't brake or you may get a wild ride. 2nd - front end becomes very light at high speeds...

[@kennethdavidii2734]

When I was a kid, my mom owned a Corvair Monza. Great car and she loved it.

[@FloppydriveMaestro]

I love these. It looks amazing in red. I honestly prefer the pandemic edition videos to the normal ones. Just Jay Leno being enthusiastic about cool cars.

[@A_Litre_of_Farva]

Amazing car, and I love how Jay still made a top quality video as a one man show - you can’t tell there’s no camera crew.

[@martinda7446]

Absolutely adore that car. I'd like to fit twin magnetos with an aircraft style switch on the dash, off/I/II/ I&II

[@rongrantga]

Thanks for posting this. In 1968 I bought a 1965 red Corsa 140hp version for $550. Thanks Mr. Nader! I drove it through my college years. This video is a nice trip down memory lane.

[@LSDaniel]

Jay Leno’s Garage: Pandemic Edition proves true the saying 'every cloud has a silver lining.’

[@Nordestada]

What a beauty-thank you, Jay!

[@knavekid]

My father had a '64 Corvair Monza Spyder Turbo, black with red interior. The car kept blowing head gaskets and the last time scorched the cylinder walls. He got it fixed and sold it. He then bought a new '68 Corvair 140 sport coupe, red with black interior, similar in appearance to this one. The 140 HP version was the big engine for the '68 Corvair and had four 1-barrel carburetors. It was 6 years old when I was able to drive it and it drove like go-kart. Cornering was amazing. It also would easily hydroplane in the rain with the front-end being so light. My father would put ballast in the front trunk in the winter to help it turn on icy roads. He drove it until it threw a rod in 1978.

[@21jimmyo]

He had a Corsa which came with either a 180hp turbo or a 140 with four one-barrel carbs. I rebuilt a 66 Corsa 140 engine and put it in my 64 Monza convertible. It was a great running and fun car to drive. I sold it a few years ago and moved on to different projects, but I enjoyed my time learning about the Corvair and re-building the engine.