<VV> Last Corvair Built

[Mark Corbin]

The last Corvair (#6000) was indeed cut up by GM. It was ordered out by
Bill Harrah, to his specs. When the end of production was made known,
retired GM exec Harold Boyer asked his buddies on the 14th floor if he
could have the last one. When marketing told them that Harrah had reserved
it, an instant dilemma was created. To avoid another publicity flap
happening between Harrah and their pal Boyer, Roache decided that they
would tell Harrah that they were "keeping" the last one, and satisfied him
with an earlier one. To Boyer, they bestowed #5999, and conveniently made
the REAL last one (#6000) magically dissappear, thus making #5999
technically the "last one" while getting out from under the committment to
Harrah for the "last one".

And yes, the family knew what #5999 was. It's second owner, Hal Smith,
wasn't told, though.

-Mark Corbin (last private owner of $5999)


> [Original Message]
> Subject: <VV> Last Corvair Built
>
> The last Corvair built, #6000, has never been
> accounted for.  It was an Olypmic Gold Monza coupe
> with the 95 horse engine and Powerglide transmission.
>
> Mark Ellis and Dave Newell did extensive research to
> try to find out where that car ended up.  It appears
> that the majority of GM bigwigs they contacted told
> them, that the car was scrapped by GM some time after
> it was built.
>
> GM wanted to kill the Corvair as quietly as possible. 
> Problem was, so many people LOVED the car, that many
> prominent Chevy collectors wanted to buy the last one,
> including Bill Harrah of Harrah's Casino fame. 
> However, GM dug its heels in, no one would be allowed
> to buy #6000.  And, because the Corvair was already a
> celebrity, when the word got out that GM was
> cancelling it, the press kept after the carmaker for
> details.
>
> FInally, GM relented and allowed the press into the
> Willow Run plant to watch 6000 roll off the assembly
> line, complete and ready to drive.  
>
> Sadly, it seems it never got the privilege to be owned
> and loved by someone...Bill Hershkowitz 69 Monza Coupe
> 110 PG