Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →The dimples on the later Corbin Sparrow 2 prototype were intended to manage airflow as it leaves the vehicle. Corbin called them “Turbulators” and said they create turbulence in the boundary layer to reduce drag and wake eddies. That is the manufacturer’s explanation—not an aerodynamic gain established by independent comparative testing.
Why put golf-ball-like dimples on the back of an electric car?
Corbin’s explanation draws on the same principle used to describe a golf ball: dimples disturb the thin layer of air next to a moving surface. The manufacturer says that, on the Sparrow, this turbulent boundary layer can reduce overall drag and the eddies in the vehicle’s wake, helping it move more efficiently. Corbin’s technical page calls the dimples “Turbulators.”
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
1963 Chevy Corvair Coupe Riverside Red with Red Interior 1/87 (HO) Scale Diecast Model Car by Oxford... | $17.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Revell Collector's Item '71 Hemi Cuda 427 1/24 | $45.00 | Buy on Amazon |
Their location is part of the idea. Corbin says the dimples sit where the body is exiting the airflow, where the design aims to limit drag, rather than at the front, where a smoother entry is desired. This describes the maker’s design intent; the available sources do not show independent wind-tunnel or controlled road-test results proving how much the dimples change drag or range.
Which Corbin Sparrow does the dimpled design refer to?
The image is of the later Sparrow 2 concept: a modernized prototype of Corbin’s enclosed, single-seat, three-wheel electric vehicle. A December 6, 2016 New Atlas report described the Sparrow 2 as planned and quoted Mike Corbin discussing an intention to begin making cars in 2017. That was a plan at the time, not evidence that the model entered current production.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
#1 Best Overall
- Detailed 1:87 Scale Model – Authentic Oxford Diecast replica of the 1963 Chevy Corvair Coupe in HO scale, ideal for model railroads and diorama displays.
- Classic Styling – Finished in Riverside Red with matching red interior, capturing the look of Chevy’s innovative rear-engine compact car.
- High-Quality Diecast Construction – Durable die-cast body with finely painted details and true-to-life proportions.
- Perfect for Collectors – Great addition to any Chevy , Corvair, or classic American car collection, as well as HO scale enthusiasts.
- Display Ready – Comes in clear display packaging for easy showcasing or storage.
Corbin’s history page later described its newest prototype on the road while the R&D team made final modifications, with limited beta-test cars anticipated in 2017. Its beta-program page described a plan for 100 hand-built pre-production vehicles and listed $32,950, but also retains a 2018 preorder notice. Those dated, retained notices do not establish present-day production, order availability, or pricing.
How the Sparrow 2 differs from surviving original cars
Original Sparrow production stopped in 2003, according to a June 25, 2025 BenitoLink report, which says about 300 vehicles were made. The article describes Mike Corbin refurbishing his personal research car with lithium-ion batteries and AC motors. He said, “We expect it to have a 100-mile range at 70 miles per hour.” That was his forecast for that particular refurbishment, not a verified test result or a specification for every Sparrow.
Older cars can have different powertrains and owner modifications. For example, a 2024 Bring a Trailer listing for one 2000 Sparrow described a 156-volt DC motor and an owner who replaced its 13 batteries and updated the onboard charger. A July 2026 auction listing documented a 2002 Sparrow project vehicle. These individual listings illustrate variation among surviving cars; they do not establish general parts availability or a service network.
Rank #2
- Revell
- 076513029432
- 85-2943
Charging: check the vehicle generation and hardware
Corbin identifies J1772 charging for its modern Sparrow prototype on its Sparrow page. Do not assume that connector applies to every original Sparrow: the available information does not establish a universal connector for the earlier production cars. Before choosing a charger, confirm the specific vehicle’s generation, inlet, onboard charger, and any conversion or repair history.
What the published efficiency figures do—and do not—tell you
Corbin’s pages publish several operating figures, but they are manufacturer statements rather than independent standardized ratings. They do not establish the performance of every generation or surviving, modified car.
| Published figure | Attribution and qualification |
|---|---|
| “9-12 KWH” for typical use in the manufacturer’s tests; “$.02 a mile” | Sparrow EV / Corbin; page year not stated. The cost depends on the page’s test/use assumptions and electricity prices. |
| Roughly 200 Wh per mile at about 60 mph; about 150 miles per gallon equivalent | Sparrow EV / Corbin; page year not stated. The miles-per-gallon figure is the maker’s comparison, not a standardized fuel-economy rating. |
| 100-mile range at 70 mph; about three cents a mile | Mike Corbin, as quoted by BenitoLink in 2025, referring to his personal refurbished car. The range was an expectation, and the cost an estimate—not independently verified results or universal current costs. |
What to verify when evaluating an individual Sparrow
A surviving original car and a modernized prototype are not interchangeable. For a particular vehicle, establish its identity and condition rather than relying on the Sparrow name or the dimpled design alone.
Quick Recap
- Generation and powertrain: determine whether it is an original production Sparrow, a Sparrow 2 prototype, or a converted or refurbished car.
- Charging equipment: inspect the inlet and onboard charger, and confirm compatibility with the proposed charging equipment.
- Battery and modifications: identify the battery type, age, replacement history, and any changes to motors, controls, or charger.
- Roadworthiness and title: verify the specific vehicle’s legal status and mechanical condition; an auction listing or prototype description does not establish either.
- Parts and service: confirm support for that exact car. The documented listings do not prove that parts or specialist service are generally available.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
