Classic Chevrolet Corvair was trapped by trees for 46 years but once freed a unique surprise was found in the trunk

It’s shocking enough to discover an abandoned car that has been trapped by overgrown trees for 46 years – but, this classic Chevrolet Corvair had a surprise hidden within its trunk.

It was recovered by a team using cutting and winching machinery.

Despite being damaged and partially buried – considering where it’s been for almost five decades it’s remarkably intact.

Once they popped the truck, however, there was an even bigger surprise in store that was the reason it earned a reputation as ‘one of the most dangerous cars of all time’.

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The abandoned classic Chevrolet Corvair

The Chevrolet Corvair had been reclaimed by nature since it was abandoned 46 years ago – much like this one found in the middle of the jungle in Panama.

The trees that had overgrown it were preventing it from being recovered, similar to these 4,000 muscle cars discovered in a forest.

That’s until the team from WD Detailing brought in machinery to finally cut and winch it to freedom.

Despite being described as ‘stinky and crusty’, they discovered it was in remarkably good condition.

The interior was minimalistic, with rusted floor pans and unusual design quirks – but it was also in reasonably great shape.

However, when they popped the trunk they got the biggest surprise of all.

The surprise in the trunk

While not as humorous as the find in this Chevy Caprice’s trunk for unsuccessful buyers – it’s every bit as noteworthy.

When the trunk of the Chevrolet Corvair was popped, a rear-mounted flat-six engine was discovered.

This European-inspired rear-engine design was one thing that contributed to the muscle car’s supposed ‘dangerous’ handling.

The design was discontinued after Ralph Nader’s book Unsafe at Any Speed was published.

It criticized GM for prioritizing profit over safety, which subsequently led to significant advancements in car safety standards and regulations.

Questionable engine placement aside, the team thoroughly cleaned and restored the car’s exterior and interior of rust, mold, and grime leaving it shining again.