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Corvair Houston

Club History: Then and Now

In the context of the times, 1974 saw many Corvairs on the streets, for sale on car lots all over the area, and parts that could be bought at your local Chevrolet dealer.

So it was not an unusual effort to organize a group of Corvair enthusiasts. The result was a wonderful mixed bag of personalities from all lifestyles, careers, locations, etc. All brought their own enthusiasm in preserving, driving, racing, sharing stories, and noting the differences in their own cars.

In early 1975 the first Corvair newsletter, The Spyder, was offered. It was clearly a class offering and became the handout and introduction to 100's of future members.

There is no doubt, the stage was set for a club that had the name of a car in its title, and a soul in its membership. Every effort included members, their spouses and children. Meetings were a joyful laugh-filled event that certainly included Corvairs, but first and foremost valued it members.

Corvair Houston had a very high profile in the local area, turning out for car shows, charity events, parades, racing events and just driving our Corvairs. It was a joyful time, filled with enthusiasm for new found friends, and the purpose of enjoying our unique automobiles.

It is interesting too, that no one was sensing that our cars would ever be relegated to antique status

How could we know that time, technology, and a quarter of a century would have us looking back to those days of Corvairs in every driveway, parts at every dealership and, for us in Texas, R-12 becoming illegal?

So here we are, after 39 years of Corvairing, and all of today's members are reaping the rewards of the solid beginnings.

Look around at Corvair Houston meetings. You'll see the same enthusiasm, friendly faces, helpful ideas, and great humor.

Well, I'll be damned, we haven't changed...

Guy Bobkoff
Corvair Houston Historian