<VV> Corsa 3-sp update and collected comments
NicolCS at aol.com
NicolCS at aol.com
Sat Dec 31 11:14:59 EST 2005
Thanks to all who responded. Two VVers referred me to a fellow in Omaha who
actually has a Corsa 3-sp with only 22,000 miles.
The listmembers who forwarded information or stories all mentioned one thing:
These cars are all oddball units - likely special ordered by a customer.
Here's the rundown:
65 Corsa 180/3, Evening Orchid, no option car (excepting the 180). There
isn't even an outside rearview mirror! It does have a dealer-added radio. The
car has 22,000 miles (hmm) and the owner reports strong boost in 2nd gear
(unlike the 4-speed 180).
Bob Bentz reports: "I repaired one for a customer in central Fl. I thought it
was strange to
be driving a 65 140 Corsa with a non-sychro 1st gear 3 spd. trans."
Frank Burkhard reported trying to buy one: "I tried to buy it (even with the
3 speed), but the owner couldn't make up his mind to sell it. I left my name
and number, but, of course, I never heard from him again." (wierd car, wierd
seller)
Bill Stanley opines: Speculation has always been that Corsas equipped with
3-speeds were
mistakes--that the dealer neglected to order the 4-speed when placing the
order!
Tom Zimmerman: I remember going to Jon Klinkert's back in the mid-70's to
help him do a clutch job, I think, on a black 63 (?) Spyder vert;strange that
someone would opt for the turbo, AND a convertible, but not a 4sp...
"RB" reports: I had a 66 Monza once with a 140,HD suspension w/ quick
steering, telescoping column ,Posi and a 3spd. I could never understand why someone
would order
that combo, or why Chev. would build it, unless special ordered. RB
And I remember seeing the only Cameo-Beige Corsa I've ever seen. In
additition to the odd color, it was a 3-speed Corsa convertible as well.
The 3-speed has to be ideal "standard equipment" in the eyes of product
planners. An unwanted but serviceable base item to permit a low base price than
provides the opportunity to sell the M20 or M35 (4sp and PG) option to 85% of
the buyers. Ever thought about this: The 3-speed is a "standard" transmission.
Referring to the 4-speed as a "standard transmission" is technically
incorrect. Our 4-speed is not a "standard transmission" - it's the "optional" manual
transmission... (Oh Pleeze...for the love of Pete, Craig stop!)
Craig N.
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