About Corvair Houston
CORVAIR HOUSTON Corvair Houston was organized in 1974 and incorporated in 1983. As a chapter of the national Corvair Society of America (CORSA) it is dedicated to preserving the Corvair for future generations. The Club conducts regular monthly meetings and also sponsors or participates in other activities through the year; local and national car shows, picnics and barbecues, races and museum events, and road trips to locations in and around Texas. We offer information about Corvair parts, restoration, maintenance and repairs. Our meetings are usually held on the third Friday of each month and are always preceded by an informal gathering in the parking lot. After the meeting a group often heads for a local eatery for sandwiches and conversation. Annual dues are $25 per family, $20 if you are a member of CORSA. A monthly newsletter publishes information about recent and upcoming events, cars and parts for sale, and Corvair related news. Note that Corvair ownership is not required for membership to Corvair Houston - merely an appreciation for a unique footnote to automotive history.
Club History: Then and Now
by Guy Bobkoff
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 to 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 25 years of Corvairing, and all
of today's members are reaping the reqards 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