'62 Corvair First Real Drive 1 18 2016

After a LOT of work (and much needed still), I took the Corvair for an extended drive, including its first freeway excursion in at least ten years. I've driven it around the neighborhood a bit, to test the brakes and steering, but this will be the first time it's gone over 30 miles per hour. The engine and transmission are good and strong, and the suspension feels good. Lots of rattles to tighten up, though. An overdrive gear would be nice, as the engine RPM is very high on the freeway. That's the way they made 'em back then - just gotta get used to it. The route takes us through parts of Altadena and Pasadena, CA. It starts on Thurin Ave., continuing on West Poppyfields Dr., down Olive Ave. to Altadena Dr., then down Allen Ave. to the 210 freeway, exiting at Lincoln Ave., up to West Palm St., and back on Thurin Ave. Sorry about the dirty windshield...and the long video! It didn't feel like 28 minutes when I drove it! Not bad for a 54 year-old car - in fact, the engine was manufactured on this very day in 1962, so happy Birthday, little 145 cubic-inch, air-cooled boxer!

Added 22 Jul 2026