Turbo Odyssey Part 1 -- The Eternal Optimist

June 21, 2004

Ok, so maybe I have done some dumb things in the past.  That doesn't mean that I am immune from doing them in the future.

Sunday night I was minding my own business, surfing eBay looking for strange Corvairs when I happened upon an auction for a '65 Corsa.  The car looked a little rough.

To the car's credit, it looks to be relatively solid.  It is a '65 Corsa 180 turbo. 

At one point in time it was Mist Blue, and it has a black and white interior.  The interior needs some work but doesn't look too shabby:

From some angles, the car doesn't look so bad.

Here is what the seller had to say in his eBay item description:

"Vehicle Description

"This is the best of the best, if you love Corvairs, and yes it DRIVES. I have been driving it around the neighborhood, and it certainly turns a few heads [Of course, it's so UGLY -- Norm]. A '65 with original all over. It has Factory TURBO-CHARGED Corsa with 180 hp - in its day! Then, add to the package that it is a Ragtop (literally), 4 speed with factory tach, temp, fuel clock, and manifold gauges, all working except clock, (go figure). Heater controls all slide, and radio works, but needs new speaker. Original steering wheel and center horn ring in excellent shape and the horn still works. Also the 2 speed wiper and washer works, with factory fluid bottle in the trunk. This car was bought new in New Mexico and driven up to Montana in 1972. The mileage on the car is real. The '65 has been inside (YES) for the last 14 years. But, was stored outside for 10 years prior to that. The car has not been driven as a daily driver since 1979, so it's been resting for the the last 25 years. I have the original title/owners guide and all the GM literature (excellent condition) that came with the original purchase, of a new car in 1965. Also, the buyer will get the Corvair shop manuals. Also, the car is missing two hubcaps and they are available on eBay for about $50.00.

"Vehicle Condition

"YES, let's talk about what needs to be done !!!!! All the chrome and badging, interior door and kick panels, carpet, dash, glove box liner, rear seat panels are in good condition. Some chrome has pitting in areas, the front bumper is straight and the rear has a small dent that could come out at the rechrome shop. The car definitely has some repairable rust, all the floor pans and engine areas are great, no rust showing there. The worst is in the front cowl---that piece will have to be replaced, but most of the typical areas look OKAY to very fixable. But yes there is surface rust showing. Pictures will show surface rust, because of lack of paint in those areas. Motor and trans all drive and are original. I wouldn't try to drive it home but who knows?????"

I called the seller and talked to him about the car.  He insisted that the rockers are solid and told me that it took about 3 1/2 turns of the steering wheel to go lock to lock.  I am not going to get my hopes up, but this car may have a quick steering box in it, which would be a bonus.   Other than some rust at the base of the windshield, the car is represented as having only surface rust.  It was built in Los Angeles and spent much of its life in New Mexico.  The seller bought it from a man who had it in his garage for the last 14 years and tired of looking at it.  The car is intact and it runs.  He revved the motor but the gauge showed no boost.  No surprise there.  I got to listen to it on the phone.  It started quite easily. 

Here are some more pictures the seller sent me.  I noticed that any picture looks better when set against a black background.  Maybe that means I should only drive this car at night.

Impetuous boy that I am, I couldn't resist this car's allures.  I took the Buy It Now option and became the owner for $2,175.00.  The Evening Orchid convertible is going to be put up for sale.  Now the only problem is to get it home to Michigan.

From Montana.

On to Part 2

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