Chevrolet expanded the Corvair lineup in its second year to include a van and pickup. These were sold under the heading of the Corvan 95, with the number representing the wheelbase. The van version was more popular, and the seller has two of them from 1963 for sale (one running, one not). Located in a yard with other vintage vehicles, this duo is in Corydon, Indiana, and is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $5,000 for the pair. Thanks, “Pnuts”, for the tip!
The Corvair was a staple in the first generation of the Corvair (1961-64). Declining sales led Chevy to drop the 95 when the auto variants were redesigned in 1965. The Corvan panel van was available with or without side windows, and in 1963, sales approached 18,500 units. Neither of this duo has side windows, so they were made to haul stuff, not people. The vans used the same powertrain as the Corvair cars, a 145 cubic inch “flat six” that produced 80 hp. We assume both of the seller’s projects have a 3-speed manual transmission.
A video shows that one of the Corvan’s engines runs, while we’re told the other one is dead. Since one of the vans looks somewhat okay, the other is covered with surface rust and maybe more. So, we’re going to say the runner is the better-looking of the pair. One has a blue interior with torn upholstery, so we’re going to say that’s the runner, too. Perhaps you could use the rustier one as a donor for the runner.
While cash is always king, the seller is willing to consider a trade. He’s in the market for a “slide-in camper” but would also consider other vans. Considering the condition of the vehicles we see here, would you ante up $2,500 a piece for the former workhorses? Make a “hippie van” out of these Chevies?
Yes, I believe the asking price is fair. I’m being totally honest when I say that I’ve never seen one of these and never knew that they existed. I’m a 1964 model human being so I’ve been around long enough to have seen one. Regardless, I’d take the 2 and build 1 nice one. The interior reminds me of 60s Ford vans
Times like this I wish I had a one ton truck with a two place car trailer because I would be on my way to get them. I think they would be fun to get back on the road
write off (500$ offer) on ‘the rusty one’ as the same items ‘go’ on the same M/M. Probably very lill to salvage.
“VANs”
I like the ‘no window’ models of the vintage vans (not ‘step van’ or other type of “van”). I like 8 door even better when the 2 combined in these vintage vans. Put a “turtle top” on & I’ll take it.
No better use of space (in a vehicle) than a square box (Y I like the pre-mini vans: Eagle Summit; Mutsu MPV, vanagon or Honda RT, tercell 4WD, colt, nissan stanza wagon, fiat multipla – https://www.curbsideclassic.com/curbside-classics-european/curbside-classic-1959-fiat-600-mutlipla-the-original-mini-van/
This one drops utility due to ‘big box’ inside” – the engine bay in the utility bay. The ramp-side wasa plus (pretty rare) on the 61/4 (but not last yr) but brought the floor up like the micro-bus (VW) did.
One of my fav points in merican auto design is for afew yrs Cheb was the only co (in the world? certainly usa, no?) to offer 2 “Van” models @ once. This one (’61/5) and my very fav – the ‘1st gen cheb van’ (’64/6). Just 2 yrs…
Help me out folks, as I approach my 75th trip around the sun, my Dad had a Corvair Greenbrier (sp) van, windows all around and great mileage for its day . But I can’t remember what year it was . rear bench seats were modular, wing nuts let us move their positions and or remove them for bigger loads . dad was a track coach and the poles for the vaulters fit well in the van. Plus lots or room to take our bikes up north to the lake.I know it was mid 60’s but can’t remember if it was a 63 or 64 -5 ?
They were dogs in their day for sure. Feeble at best and with all the blow-by one could inhale. Push rod tubes dripping with overheated motor oil was always a giveaway that one was near by. Definitely rare to see any now. Can’t say the many were truly loved by their owner so often discarded . Still would be fun to see one go by.
IDK if these were the hippie go to with all the VW Type 2s available. These aren’t common and would be cool to use and enjoy.
Hippies would have for sure used them. But their go to was the VW. Probably because the VW‘s were much more plentiful.
Clark’s Corvair in Western, MA has a show every 2 years. They make ALL the parts for Corvairs you can want. I owned a ‘65 convertible. These are fun vehicles. One good thing about Corvairs is that they are a great entry level vehicle to get into a classic car.