1963 Corvair Monza Spyder: The Car Dad Courted Mom In Came Back
About this episode
A nostalgic journey unfolds as Justin shares the story of his 1963 Corvair Monza Spyder, a car that holds sentimental value as it was once used by his parents during their courtship. The episode dives into the car's history, including its rusted floorboards and a serendipitous reunion when Justin's father was offered the chance to buy it back years later. Alongside this tale, Justin discusses his first car experiences, the quirks of owning a diesel VW Golf, and the community connections fostered through automotive passion. The conversation is rich with humor and heartfelt moments, making it a delightful listen for any car enthusiast.
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Some cars get sold. Some get scrapped. Justin's 1963 Corvair Monza Spyder has been in his family for three generations—and counting.
When a car passes through multiple generations, it stops being just transportation. It becomes a living timeline of family history, mechanical evolution, and the question every generation asks: do we keep it or let it go?
The Corvair has a controversial reputation (thanks, Ralph Nader), but for Justin's family, it's the car that ties grandfather to father to son. That makes it worth keeping, even when it doesn't make practical sense.
In this episode, Justin shares:
- How his grandfather originally acquired the 1963 Corvair Monza Spyder
- What makes the Monza Spyder different from other Corvairs (turbocharged, rare, collectible)
- The Ralph Nader controversy and why Corvair owners defend the car so fiercely
- Specific memories from each generation's time with the car
- The mechanical challenges of keeping a 60+ year old car running across decades
- The moment each generation decided to pass it down instead of selling
- What it's like being the current custodian of a family heirloom that requires constant maintenance
There's one story about the Corvair nearly being sold that Justin says would have ended the family legacy forever. What stopped the sale at the last minute is something no one saw coming.
Related episodes:
https://buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/17498085-from-rust-proof-roots-to-global-vehicle-protection-tom-wolfe-s-ziebart-story
https://buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/15271241-1963-corvair-spyder-first-car-richard-mccuistian-vw-expert-turned-youtube-mechanic-teacher
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Delorean DMC-12
"It is none other than. John DeLorean. How do you like Zachary DeLorean?"
The DeLorean DMC-12 is a unique car that has doors that open upwards, making it look very cool. It became famous because it was used as a time machine in the 'Back to the Future' movies, which is why many people talk about it.
The DeLorean DMC-12 is an iconic sports car produced by the DeLorean Motor Company in the early 1980s, famous for its distinctive gull-wing doors and stainless steel body. It gained immense popularity after being featured as the time machine in the 'Back to the Future' movie franchise. The DMC-12 is often discussed for its unique design and the story of its troubled production.
Chevrolet Corvair
"...ne are we talking about? Is that the was that the Corvair Corvair was? Yes. And that is the one that I woul..."
The Chevrolet Corvair is a small car that was made in the 1960s and is known for having its engine in the back instead of the front. It got a lot of attention because some people said it wasn't very safe to drive, which led to changes in car safety rules.
The Chevrolet Corvair was a compact car produced by General Motors from 1960 to 1969, notable for its rear-engine layout and unique design. It became a subject of controversy due to safety concerns raised in Ralph Nader's book 'Unsafe at Any Speed', which criticized its handling characteristics. The Corvair is often discussed in automotive history for its innovative engineering and the impact it had on safety regulations.
transmission rebuild
"And the guy had had the inter rebuild, transmission rebuild, had done some body work to it."
A transmission rebuild is when a mechanic takes apart the car's transmission to fix or replace broken parts. This helps the car shift gears properly again.
A transmission rebuild involves disassembling the transmission, replacing worn parts, and reassembling it to restore its functionality. This process can improve performance and extend the life of the vehicle.
body work
"had done some body work to it. Basically got it back on the road."
Body work is when a car's outside is fixed up to look nice again, like repairing dents or scratches. It helps the car look better and stay strong.
Body work refers to the repair and restoration of a vehicle's exterior, including fixing dents, scratches, and rust. It's essential for maintaining the car's appearance and structural integrity.
show car restoration
"Now, it wasn't like a full showroom or show car restoration. Yes, it was a, you know, it's I'm a huge fan of roadkill..."
Show car restoration means fixing up a car so it looks amazing for car shows. It's about making the car look perfect and work really well.
Show car restoration is the process of restoring a vehicle to a condition that is suitable for display at car shows. This often involves extensive work to ensure the car looks perfect and is in top mechanical condition.
roadkill
"Yes, it was a, you know, it's I'm a huge fan of roadkill of don't get it right, just get it running."
Roadkill is a show where car enthusiasts fix up old cars and drive them for fun. They focus on making the cars work rather than making them perfect.
Roadkill is a popular automotive web series and YouTube channel that focuses on the enjoyment of driving and modifying cars, often featuring budget builds and unconventional projects. It emphasizes the fun of getting cars running rather than achieving perfection.
matching numbers
"...I don't know if the engine and transmission are matching numbers to the chassis. I don't know. I haven't really dug that in that far into it."
Matching numbers means that the engine and transmission in a car are the same ones that came with it when it was first built. This is important for collectors because it can make the car more valuable if everything is original.
Matching numbers refers to the practice of ensuring that the engine and transmission of a vehicle are the original components that were installed at the factory, corresponding to the vehicle's chassis number. This is important for collectors and enthusiasts as it can significantly affect the car's value and authenticity.
Honda Prelude
"...as another let's take it. I can't use it. Another prelude. Are you telling me that the Honda prelude was a ..."
The Honda Prelude is a two-door car that Honda made for many years, known for being fun to drive and looking stylish. It’s popular among car enthusiasts because it combines good performance with everyday usability.
The Honda Prelude is a sporty coupe that was produced from 1978 to 2001, known for its innovative design and performance features. It played a significant role in Honda's lineup, blending practicality with a fun driving experience. The Prelude is often discussed for its unique styling and as a precursor to modern sports coupes.
Chevrolet Corvette
"Yes, the Corvette was air cooled, but it's also the Volkswagen and the Corvette were both rear engine, rear wheel drive."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a fast sports car made by Chevrolet. It's famous for being powerful and having a unique look, making it a popular choice for car enthusiasts.
The Chevrolet Corvette is a sports car produced by Chevrolet, known for its performance and distinctive design. It has been a symbol of American automotive engineering since its introduction in 1953.
rear engine
"Yes, the Corvette was air cooled, but it's also the Volkswagen and the Corvette were both rear engine, rear wheel drive."
A rear engine layout means the car's engine is placed at the back, which can help with how the car drives and handles on the road.
A rear engine layout means that the engine is located at the back of the vehicle, which can affect handling and weight distribution. This design is often used in sports cars for better traction.
rear wheel drive
"Yes, the Corvette was air cooled, but it's also the Volkswagen and the Corvette were both rear engine, rear wheel drive."
Rear wheel drive means the car's engine powers the back wheels, which can make the car handle better, especially when driving fast.
Rear wheel drive (RWD) means that the power from the engine is sent to the rear wheels, which can enhance performance and handling, especially in sports cars.
America's Porsche
"And it was it was actually the time it was considered America's Porsche, because it was only only American car that tried to duplicate that platform of a car."
'America's Porsche' is a nickname for the Chevrolet Corvette because it's an American car that tries to be like the high-performance sports cars made by Porsche.
The term 'America's Porsche' refers to the Chevrolet Corvette, which is often compared to Porsche sports cars due to its performance, design, and engineering focus, despite being an American vehicle.
four wheel steering
"But the most important thing that was it was a four wheel steering car. And it was kind of ahead of its time and not a lot of companies wanted to try to do that, because it is it is kind of sketchy to learn how to drive that car."
Four wheel steering means that not just the front wheels, but also the back wheels can turn. This helps the car handle better when going around corners or driving fast.
Four wheel steering is a technology that allows both the front and rear wheels of a vehicle to turn, improving maneuverability and stability, especially at high speeds or during tight turns.
manual transmission
"Manual. For the time, it was an 88. So it had all the bells and whistles."
A manual transmission is a way to change gears in a car by using a stick and a pedal. It gives the driver more control over how the car drives.
A manual transmission is a type of transmission that requires the driver to manually shift gears using a clutch pedal and gear stick. It offers more control over the vehicle's power and performance compared to automatic transmissions.
Bring a Trailer
"Well, there are some on bringintrailer.com."
Bring a Trailer is a website where people can buy and sell classic cars through auctions. It's popular for finding unique and interesting vehicles.
Bring a Trailer is an online auction platform that specializes in classic and collector cars. It allows users to buy and sell vehicles through a bidding process, often featuring detailed listings and community discussions.
Honda That Honda
"... are some on bringintrailer.com. But did you hear that Honda may be bringing back a prelude? I have not."
The Honda That's is a small, boxy car that was made mainly for Japan and is designed to be practical and easy to drive in the city. It’s not very common outside of Japan, but it shows how Honda makes different types of cars for different needs.
The Honda That's is a compact multi-purpose vehicle that was produced primarily for the Japanese market, known for its boxy shape and practicality. It is often discussed in the context of Honda's diverse lineup and the growing interest in kei cars, which are small, efficient vehicles designed for urban driving. The potential revival of the Prelude has sparked interest in Honda's classic models, including the That's.
bulbousy
"However, your first America in the world. There's something about modern vehicles that they're so bulbousy..."
'Bulbousy' describes how some modern cars look round and soft, rather than sharp and angular like older cars. This can affect how they feel to drive.
'Bulbousy' refers to a design characteristic of modern vehicles that have rounded, bulb-like shapes, often resulting in a less aggressive or sporty appearance compared to older cars.
relationship to the ground
"...they don't have a relationship to the ground that. Yes. Other vehicles or older vehicles have where you can't feel the road."
The 'relationship to the ground' is about how well a car connects with the road. Some cars let you feel the bumps and turns better than others, which can make driving more enjoyable.
The 'relationship to the ground' refers to how a vehicle's design and suspension affect the driver's ability to feel the road and maintain control. Cars with a better relationship to the ground provide more feedback and stability.
steering control
"...there's so much noise reduction and steering control and. Josh control and ABS and all this kind of stuff."
Steering control is how well you can guide your car where you want it to go. Good steering helps you turn and stop safely.
Steering control refers to the driver's ability to guide the vehicle effectively, particularly during maneuvers like turning or braking. Advanced steering systems can enhance this control, improving safety and performance.
ABS
"...and steering control and. Josh control and ABS and all this kind of stuff. If I want to lock the brakes up..."
ABS is a system in cars that helps prevent the wheels from stopping completely when you brake hard. This helps you steer better and stay safe on the road.
ABS stands for Anti-lock Braking System, a safety feature that prevents the wheels from locking up during braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control. This is especially useful in slippery conditions, helping to avoid skidding.
lock the brakes
"...If I want to lock the brakes up and I want to slide sideways. I want to do that."
Locking the brakes means pressing the brake pedal so hard that the wheels stop turning. This can make the car slide, which some drivers do on purpose in certain situations.
Locking the brakes occurs when the brake force exceeds the friction between the tires and the road, causing the wheels to stop turning. This can lead to loss of control, but some drivers intentionally lock the brakes to initiate a controlled slide, often in motorsport contexts.
slide sideways
"...I want to lock the brakes up and I want to slide sideways. I want to do that. That doesn't mean I'm out of control."
Sliding sideways means the car is moving in a way that the back end is out of line with the front. It's a trick some drivers do to show off or in racing, but it takes practice to do it safely.
Sliding sideways, often referred to as drifting, is a driving technique where the rear wheels lose traction while the front wheels maintain steering control. This is commonly seen in motorsports and requires skill to execute safely.
DeLorean
"...I was driving my DeLorean in a while. And I was going like 75 and I'm like, man, what would this thing feel like to go to 88..."
The DeLorean is a unique car known for its shiny metal body and doors that open upwards. It's famous for being featured in movies where it travels through time.
The DeLorean is a sports car manufactured by the DeLorean Motor Company, famously known for its distinctive stainless steel body and gull-wing doors. It gained iconic status from its role in the 'Back to the Future' film series, where it was modified to serve as a time machine.
Volkswagen Golf
"...finish up with a VW. There's got to be a golf."
The Volkswagen Golf is a small car that many people like because it's easy to drive and has a lot of space inside. It's been around for a long time and is known for being reliable.
The Volkswagen Golf is a compact car known for its practicality, performance, and versatility. It's been a popular choice in various markets since its introduction in the 1970s, often praised for its handling and build quality.
GTI
"they had this thing tricked out looking like a GTI."
GTI stands for Grand Touring Injection, and it's a sportier version of the Volkswagen Golf. It has a more powerful engine and better handling, making it fun to drive.
The GTI is a performance-oriented version of the Volkswagen Golf, known for its sporty handling, turbocharged engine, and distinctive styling. It's a favorite among enthusiasts for its balance of performance and practicality.
diesel
"And then when I went and looked at it and saw it was a diesel, I went, you know what? I've never owned a diesel. Let's share it. Let's buy it. Why not?"
Diesel is a type of fuel used in certain cars and trucks. Diesel engines are usually more efficient and can provide more power than regular gasoline engines, but they can be slower in some cases.
Diesel refers to a type of fuel derived from crude oil that is used in diesel engines. These engines are known for their fuel efficiency and torque, making them popular in larger vehicles and trucks.
horsepower
"...it had like 53 horsepower or 58 horsepower, something like that. But I could pull a stump out of the ground with this thing..."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. The higher the horsepower, the faster and more powerful the car can be.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to describe the power output of engines. It indicates how quickly work can be done, and in automotive terms, it helps to understand a vehicle's performance capabilities.
clutch
"And I pushed the clutch in, shifted it into second. And no matter what I did, the engine speed kept increasing."
The clutch is a part of a car that helps you change gears. When you press the clutch pedal, it disconnects the engine from the wheels, making it easier to shift to a different gear.
The clutch is a mechanical device that engages and disengages the engine from the transmission, allowing the driver to change gears smoothly. It is essential for operating manual transmission vehicles.
head gasket
"...that the head gasket blew and it was running on its own oil. So throttle ran away because it was a mechanical fuel pump."
The head gasket is a part of the engine that keeps oil and coolant from leaking into each other. If it fails, it can cause big problems for the engine, like overheating.
The head gasket is a critical component in an engine that seals the cylinder head to the engine block, preventing coolant and oil from mixing and maintaining compression. A blown head gasket can lead to serious engine problems, including overheating and loss of power.
throttle ran away
"...because it was a mechanical fuel pump. Throttle ran away, it was running on its own oil."
When someone says the throttle ran away, it means the engine started going faster and faster on its own, which can be very dangerous. This usually happens because something is wrong with the fuel system.
'Throttle ran away' refers to a situation where an engine accelerates uncontrollably, often due to a malfunction in the fuel delivery system or a stuck throttle. This can lead to dangerous situations if not addressed quickly.
mechanical fuel pump
"...because it was a mechanical fuel pump. Throttle ran away, it was running on its own oil."
A mechanical fuel pump is a device that moves fuel from the gas tank to the engine using parts that move up and down. It's often found in older cars.
A mechanical fuel pump is a type of fuel pump that uses a diaphragm and mechanical action to draw fuel from the tank and deliver it to the engine. They are commonly found in older vehicles and are typically driven by the engine's camshaft.
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