CORSA Convention Goffe Sutt Patten Miller

Cruising down memory lane
By JARED COOK Sun Staff Reporter 06/28/2002

Jill Torrance/Arizona Daily Sun Tarmo Sutt (left), Del Patten, Jerry Goffe, and Marcus Miller check out the engine of Miller's 64 Monza convertable Corvair at Little America Thursday.

A classic symbol of the '60s has rolled into Flagstaff this week -- the Corvair, a sporty ride that captured that imagination of a generation and was one of the first targets of consumer advocate Ralph Nader.

Corvairs of every color and year are in town while the members of the Corvair Society of America (CORSA) meet for their annual convention at Little America this week.

Themed "A CoolVair Affair," the convention is an opportunity for Corvair enthusiasts from around the world to meet, compare notes, learn, boast and show off their own pieces of nostalgia.

The Corvair gained notoriety after its initial production because of numerous defects, and the publication of Ralph Nader's book "Unsafe at Any Speed" in 1965. The defects were corrected in the 1966 model, but the public image was tarnished enough that General Motors discontinued production in 1969.

Nonetheless, the car attracted a loyal following worldwide very early on; the Cactus Corvair Club was founded in 1962, only three years after production began. It remains one of the most beloved classic cars in existence.

According to convention merchandiser Melvin Brown, Corvair enthusiasts associate the car with their childhood.

"These are the cars that we grew up with," he said. "They were 'The Thing' when we were growing up."

More than 1,000 people are in attendance, with approximately 300 Corvairs of all years, varieties and colors present.

The cars have been driven from as far away as North Carolina and Chicago, said Brown of Phoenix. Some attendees have come even farther. The convention roster includes residents of Australia and France.

Many of the convention's activities are open to the public. Flagstaff residents are welcome to attend today's Autocross, an obstacle course race scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Northern Arizona University Skydome. The public also is welcome at the model car exhibition and judging, to be held from 10 a.m. to noon in the Coconino Room at Little America Hotel.

Saturday's Economy Run, a contest to travel a predesignated route with the best fuel economy, also may be of interest to locals. It will begin at the circle drive at Little America at 9 a.m.

Finally, a fully restored 1966 Corvair convertible will be raffled off. Tickets are available for $2.50 each in the lobby of Little America between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. today and Saturday. The drawing will be Saturday evening at the final banquet of the convention. The winner will be notified by phone.