<VV> Director`s Comments in Communique -- future of CORSA

[Eric S. Eberhard]

I am probably a minority here, but I think a good part of the problem 
is "change"  Others have mentioned change in how we 
communicate.  Cars being scrapped.  But another change is the nature 
of Corvair collecting.  When I got interested (from my grandpa) in 
the late 70s, Corvairs were still cars -- meaning 
transportation.  Many people got used to inexpensive cars and parts 
and get-togethers --- the emphasis was on low-cost fun.  Many people 
kept many cars on the road.

As our discussions of Charlie bear out, people are throwing out 
"ordinary" but perfectly good parts and cars by the tons.  They are 
now old enough to no longer be considered cheap transportation -- 
they are full-fledged collector cars.  More people are interested in 
restoring cars to stock, prices are going up.  I had a 62 Spyder that 
I advertised on ebay and CORSA classifieds for 18k with Kelsey-Hayes 
wire wheels.  It was an exceptionally nice 100% stock car with rare 
options.  I got over 20 hate emails from people (mostly CORSA 
members) with remarks that I was crazy, that Corvairs are not gold, I 
would never get it, etc.  Some of the emails were truly NASTY and 
rude.  Mostly from CORSA members.  From CORSA members I was offered a 
whopping 7,000 for the car.

Eventually the ad caught the attention of several Chevy collectors, 
not Corvair collectors per-se.  I had two schedule a visit.  The 
first collector that showed up (with an enclosed trailer with 
electric ramps and cash) drove the car and inspected it for a few 
hours.  He paid slightly less than 18k and I got to keep the K-H 
wheels (which I wanted to keep anyway, I just offered them to help 
sell the car).  The 2nd collector, due a few days later, was not 
happy (then he should have sent a deposit).

My point is -- many in CORSA still think of Corvairs as cheap 
transportation and believe a premium 62 Spyder is worth 7K.  Although 
not entirely wrong, it is changing.  Corvairs are legit collectors 
cars and people will pay 18k for a good example.  The second guy has 
a standing offer of 15k for my Monza wagon (with K-H wheels).  And 
this is all in the "bad economy"  I have my cheap transportation toy 
Corvair sedan (affectionately called the "Green Heap"), but my coupe 
and wagon are pretty nice.  So I fall in both camps.

I think members need to think about this and adjust.  We have very 
cheap membership.  I belong to another brand (Toyota Land Cruiser) 
club with a lesser magazine, no conventions, same on-line presence... 
and it costs twice as much as CORSA.

CORSA is vital to the community.  We need a place to centralize info, 
have vendor ads, and keep the passion alive.  And more than anything, 
the tech info is fabulous.  We need to stop ridiculing people like 
Charlie that pay the advertising money.  We need to pay more for our 
own memberships.  I think the annual convention should continue.  I 
also think the dues should double.  I think that all vendors should 
offer a discount to CORSA members (to encourage membership which is 
in their interest).   A generic coupon good at any participating 
vendor for say 10 bucks credit -- with proper advertising on the 
coupon -- could be included with each renewal.

MOST OF ALL -- we need to stop emphasizing a plan based on "growing 
membership"  Cars are being crushed, people outside the traditional 
CORSA world are buying cars, more people are collectors rather than 
drivers and mechanics.

-->>>>>  less people are going to join CORSA in the future, not more.  <<<<<--

To keep services up, we need to charge more and perhaps offer more 
for the "collector car" set that is slowly becoming the norm.  I 
would like to see a restoration column with tech features on how to 
restore this or that in a 100% stock manner.  What is the right color 
for the fuel filter on a 62 Spyder? The air cleaner?  Where does that 
sticker go? What are the Concours rules for tires?  How about in 
shows not sponsored by CORSA (where my former Spyder is going)?

Just rambling ...

Eric




Merry Christmas from:

Eric S. Eberhard
(928) 567-3727          Voice
(928) 567-6122          Fax
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