A Toronado-powered Corvair: Introducting the Torvair

By Jim Brennan

UDMan

I was trying to find “Corvair wheels” for my 24 Hours of LeMons entry when I came across Larry Boardman’s website Classic Wheels, LLC. Along with promoting his business as a certified classic car appraiser and listing his credentials, he also showcases his current crop of collectible iron. One car in particular, the Torvair, has to be the mother of all mongrels.

This particular car piqued my interest as it was basically a Corvair coupe with an Oldsmobile Toronado drivetrain tucked under the stylish body in a mid-engined format. There were many Corvair V-8 conversions, but marrying the two most innovative GM creations of the sixties was a stroke of genius. So, after looking at this wonderful beast on his site, I contacted Larry to find out what the Torvair is all about.

And what do you know, it’s up for sale! Read more at Automotive Traveler.

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Posted at 7:25 am in Automotive Traveler, Chevrolet, Corvair, engine swap, Oldsmobile, Toronado, udman

Comments

sonomakid4
Aug 28, 2009 at 12:22 pm

Agree with 1lowscort not really crazy about the wheels. I dont like them painted the same as the car either just reminds me of a “hood car” like a donk or something

1lowscort
Jun 16, 2009 at 1:46 pm

I think there are a lot of things about that car that could have been done much better. The radio is some cheesy tape deck that doesn’t even fit the radio hole, The gold plated stuff on the rear, the side scoops, from a Fiat X 1/9, The rear seat back that was moved forward, for understandable reasons, but it still looks out of place. The wheels also look a bit goofy, and the spoiler just doesn’t fit right. I could continue on, but these are some of the things I noticed. At least it is still on the road for someone to enjoy though!

fireball22
Jun 16, 2009 at 8:04 am

Awesome work. My only nitpick goes to the small fender intakes on the quarters behind the doors. Necessary, I’m sure, but they look like stick-ons (and haven’t we seen WAYYYY too many of those nowadays?). I’d like to have seen something that blended into the body better. But, again, awesome build.

palefacetsw
Jun 16, 2009 at 6:35 am

That is similar to my dad and his buddies dropping a Caddy Eldorado plant and transaxle into a Porsche 914 back in the early 80′s….I only rode in it once……wheelies on command….he sold it 7 or 8 years ago……

buickboy92
Jun 15, 2009 at 9:31 pm

Pretty Cool Corvair.