Chevrolet’s redesigned-for-1965 Corvair debuted to high praise from the automotive press, with Car and Driver’s David E. Davis, Jr. declaring it “the most beautiful car to appear in this country since before World War II.” American consumers agreed, buying 23-percent more ’65 Corvairs than they did the year before. Trouble, in the form of the Ford Mustang, was brewing, and Corvair sales began a slide in 1966 from which they’d never recover. Today, the second-generation Corvairs, model years 1965-’69, represent a relatively affordable point of entry into the classic car hobby. Is the time right to shop for one?

The 1965 Corvair differed from its predecessor in more than just bodywork. Underneath, a new articulated-link rear suspension replaced the swing-axle setup used on first-generation models, while softer front springs improved ride quality. Four engine choices were available, all based upon the 164-cu.in. air-cooled flat six, with outputs of 95 hp, 110 hp, 140 hp and 180 hp (in the range-topping turbocharged variant, available in 1965-’66 only). Depending upon the engine selected, buyers could opt for three- or four-speed manual transmissions (available with all engines) or the two-speed Powerglide automatic (with all but the turbocharged six).

The Corvair is a key novice or budget-level classic auto for the right buyer.