The Corvair first appeared on October 2, 1959, the Americans then spoke of model year 1960. The first model sedan with the characteristic pontoon body was produced from 1960 to 1964. In addition to the sedan, a coupe, a station car and a little later  a convertible appeared . The first models have a 2.3-liter engine which  the following year has been replaced by a slightly larger 2.4-liter unit. In the 2nd production series the engine was again enlarged to 2.7 liters. The available versions were the 500, the slightly more luxurious 700, the luxurious 900 Monza and later the fast Spyder with turbo engine.

In addition to passenger cars, the Corvair series also consisted of a series of light commercial vehicles. The buyer had the choice between a pick-up, a closed delivery van or the Greenbrier passenger bus. In addition to the traditional "Loadside" pick-up, there was also the practical "Rampside" version where part of the side could be lowered. This model quickly became the most popular. The production of the company cars stopped in 1964, and that of the Greenbrier passenger bus in 1965.

 In 1965, Chevrolet introduced a completely new Corvair. The modern body had nothing to do with the previous model and the car was tackled considerably technically. The 2.7 liter engine was now the standard for all models and the rear suspension with pendulum axles was replaced by a completely independent suspension based on that from the Corvette. The available body styles were a sedan, a coupe and a convertible. In addition to the 500 model and the more luxurious Monza, the Corsa sport model was introduced, with an emphasis on sportiness. This second series was produced until 1969, with only the coupe and the convertible at the end.