I’ll come right out and say it: I think that the quirky Corvair Greenbrier is the best-looking small van ever built. Sure, the Econoline and A100 are also offbeat, fun-looking little haulers, but the two-tone paint on this Chevy just gets me. And that paint is, according to the seller, 90 percent original.
General Motors called it “Magic Mirror Acrylic Lacquer,” and it was standard equipment on their products for decades. Other manufacturers such as Ford used enamels, but many folks even today remember that lacquer shine. The seller claims that the touch ups that have been done on this Greenbrier were done in lacquer, so if you hate modern urethanes, this might be the van for you.
The forward-control trucks and vans such as the Corvair were practical because there was more room for luggage, as front seat passengers were shoved as far forward as possible. This worked out well in the Corvair because Chevy didn’t need to cram the engine’s doghouse between the front seat passengers, which made this bench seat possible. Of course, modern safety considerations might preclude a cabin where the passenger footwell abuts the front sheetmetal.
You may have noticed in the previous picture that this Greenbrier has the four-speed manual transmission. One of few options on this example, the total price worked out to $3019.50 – not too bad for such a handsome van. That price didn’t include many options, however, and this one certainly has the standard 80-horsepower “Turbo-Air” 145 cubic-inch flat six.
That’s not a lot of power for a people hauler, especially by today’s standards, but the Corvair community is a tight-knit one, and there is plenty of advice for extra oomph if the new owner sees fit. On the other hand, it might be nice to just take things slowly and set the speedometer at 60. We don’t always need to be in a hurry.
As the owner of a later Corvair convertible, I can attest to how fun a Corvair is to drive. Parts availability is surprisingly good, with outlets such as Clark’s Corvair and California Corvairs ready to supply you with just about anything you’d need. This Greenbrier is one of 13,491 built in 1962, and it might be one of the best-preserved examples. It’s currently on eBay with a high bid of $3,000. It does have a reserve, so it will be fun to see what this cute little Greenbrier sells for.
What a sweetheart! I have no idea what I would do with it, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want it!
They were very practical and efficient. Beats the VW at their own game. It’s too bad they continue to develop and refine the model line. I just picked up a 61 Lakewood wagon and just about have it ready for its first club event this weekend.
Never seen one before. Cool article Toth
The stick shift is a must w low powered vehicles. Be a great ride for an Island 🏝
The early vans had the “pot-stirrer” shifter. Couldn’t be more ambiguous as to which gear you’re in. Also, the front most back seat can be flipped around to make a little conversation pit configuration. My Greenbrier had the deluxe interior with FIVE ashtrays.
My father was stationed in Germany in the very early ’60’s, and we took our brand new 1st year Greenbrier with us. It was the usual blue and white paint, but I can’t say if it was 3 or 4 speed. The van caused a lot of raised eyebrows in Germany, being air cooled. I also remember the petrol station attendant trying to find the front hood latch.
When we came back, the Greenbrier had come over on a ship and was lost somewhere on the docks in New York. When we finally found it, the motor was totally locked up. I believe my father sold it right there on the dock.
Beautiful little van, but the seats shouldn’t be blue ; more than likely they were the same Fawn beige color as the rest of the interior, or possibly black. It just looks odd on a Chevy truck of this vintage – I think nearly all interiors on the truck lines were that beige color
Used to see quite a few of these in the early-to-mid 1960s, but it’s a head-turner now. Most of them rusted-out decades ago. Joe Haska, I agree with you: I want it (though I don’t quite know why).
A 4 speed is pretty rare in one of these. The 3 speed and Powerglide were much more common. Sweet looking truck with the bullet proof 80 hp engine.
I’m a wanter too but I can’t have it. Never a day goes by when I don’t see at least one vehicle that I would consider a desirable acquisition here on BF. Alas, available money for play toys and a good place to keep them is my reality. Oh yeah, and I got a wife. Good thing too. She saves me from my addiction.
This is so weird. I posted a comment hours ago, that was not here when I returned to read Carbob’s comment. So, I wrote a new comment as close to the first one as I could remember, and I posted it. As soon as I did, the first one from hours ago posted, but not the one I had just written. Spooky!
These were seen a lot in the early-to-mid 1960s — before nearly all of them rusted away. I agree with YOU, Joe Kaska: I WANT it (though I am not sure WHY…).
And now the second one has appeared!
I don’t know why, but my comments and others I saw earlier have VANISHED!
And now they are back!
I love it. I want one.
My wife just nixed buying this. She prefers the ’65 Econoline pickup.