CHEVROLET CORVAIR LAKEWOOD

Perusing the classic classifieds is often a fascinating experience, particularly when discovering rare cars from the USA. Even in its homeland, the Lakewood is an unusual sight and the odds of finding this 1961 ‘700’ version in the Home Counties is probably a million to one.

As the readers already know, the Corvair was General Motors’ response to increasing numbers of VW Beetles and Renault Dauphines on US roads in the late 1950s. Chrysler and Ford similarly planned a six-cylinder ‘compact’; however, while the Valiant and Falcon were scaled-down interpretations of their larger models, when the Corvair debuted on the 7th of July 1959, it represented a radical departure for GM. The rear-mounted 2.3-litre ‘flat-six’ and all-independent suspension were ‘firsts’ for the company. At the same time, the engine layout also allowed for a low silhouette and a flat floor and in theory, negating the need for power steering.

The 1961 model year saw the launch of the Lakewood with the adverts boasting the latest Corvair derivatives would “treat you and your budget more gently than ever”. The trim levels ranged from the entry-level 500 to the slightly more opulent 700. Your friendly local Chevrolet dealer could extol the virtues of a 58-cu ft load bay and how the Lakewood was the only station wagon in the world with front and rear cargo space. That said, accessing the power plant meant the removal of all luggage, but there was an additional 10-cu ft. in the front ‘boot’. Unfortunately, sales figures in the first year were in the region of just 26,920 – by contrast, Ford sold nearly 100,000 Falcon Wagons.

One reason was the Lakewood looked different from any other US-built station wagon in its class. Too many conservative-minded drivers of the JFK era demanded ‘wood panelling and elaborate styling fit for the country club, as opposed to minimalism. In addition, the Corvair’s design meant high production costs and its rivals were cheaper to run. Equally importantly, there was the issue of the engine layout, which was unfamiliar to many affluent drivers seeking a ‘second car’. By contrast, the Falcon offered a 76-cu ft. load bay and far greater predictability.

As early as December of 1959, General Motors decided to build the far more conventional Chevy II, with production commencing in August 1961. In the interim, GM preserved with Lakewood, dropping the 500 from the line-up for the 1962 model year and introducing the new top-of-the-range Monza 900, with “colour-keyed” cloth/vinyl upholstery, carpeted floors, and even a rear ashtray. There was also a name change to ‘Corvair Station Wagon’ but to no avail. Production ended early that year after just 33,271 examples. By then, the Chevy II was General Motors’ principal Falcon/Valiant competitor, while the Corvair was now more of a niche product.

As for this 700, it was originally white on leaving the factory and is fitted with the optional two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission. And, as the copy of the original sales promised, it will do a “wagon-sized job with cargo”. Plus, the Lakewood more than fulfils the brochure’s promise of “fresh outside styling”.