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Perfect Surf Van: 1962 Chevy Greenbrier

This 1962 Chevrolet Greenbrier van is listed as a good-running example that’s a prime candidate to become a period surf wagon. The seller says it’s never undergone full restoration, but that’s OK: the van looks quite tidy from here, especially with new upholstery inside. The Greenbrier can be found listed here on craigslist in Costa Mesa, CA for $6,700.

The body doesn’t show any major flaws, so unless that clean paint job is doing a masterful job of hiding the rust, I’m not sure what cosmetic needs it has beyond the usual touch-up work. The lines look straight and true down the sides, and the two-tone paint job is wonderfully period correct. I dig the moon-style hubcaps, too, mounted on black-painted steel wheels. All glass looks intact, too.

The seller notes the three rear benches were re-upholstered, but the door panels look quite fresh as well. Really, one of the common trouble spots with vans like these is the interiors, which tend to become mobile shelters for the surfers and vanners that love to travel the coast in rigs like these. That can lead to the cabins being trashed and requiring a full tear-down, but not here.

The ample glass may require the need for some curtains if you plan to live in this Greenbrier while seeing the coastal United States; that’s one of the easier DIYs if you’re amped to make a camper van out of it. The seller notes the 110cc engine runs well and really, there’s not much else to these things – you just have to decide whether it’s powerful enough to justify the added weight of a proper camper conversion.

Comments

  1. Avatar RayT

    Sweet!

    When I was a Wee Lad, a friend’s mother traded her VW Microbus for one of these. I rode in the back quite a bit. I like this, and would not surfer-ize it at all.

    I don’t remember seeing the model with the 110cc engine, though.

    Like 6
    • Avatar David Ulrey

      😂😂😂😂😂. That was funny!

      Like 0
  2. Avatar CapNemo

    110cc.

    Like 5
  3. Avatar Dirtyharry

    I guess it was a typo and the seller means it has the later 110hp engine. In this year they were built with 80hp, but engine swaps among corvairs is real common. Especially true for the van and PU models which could use that upgrade. I don’t like the colors but this is a decent looking project/driver with a manual trans. I recently saw a 4.3 V6 Chev conversion. It looked just right in the back.

    Like 8
  4. Avatar cold340t

    1 or @622 Greenbrier vans made in 62′. Great Van! Had one with 60k original miles Orange w/white stripe gray interior. Missed a shift coming down Old Priest grade and broke drive shaft. Back in 95′ it was not easy to find people who would work on it. Sat in my driveway after towing it home for @5yrs. Gave it to my Uncle, who promptly got it fixed & sold it. It’s STILL on the ROAD to this day. Used by a Landscaper as utility vehicle as it was intended. Yep, I miss it!

    Like 7
  5. Avatar Gaspumpchas

    Havent seen a greenbrier this nice since the 60’s. Talk about a survivor, looks like a stick also. A little TLC and easy driving will get years out of this beauty. All it needs is a surfboard!
    Cheers
    GPC

    Like 5
  6. Avatar local_sheriff

    What a cool little van, and in such a beautiful color! It’s really a coincidence – earlier this very evening I was browsing one of my numerous sales brochures; 1961 Chevrolet wagons including the Lakewood and Greenbrier.

    This is truly a great find in seemingly fully usable condition condition as is. I wish whoever picks it up best of luck and takes care of this unusual van! 👍

    Like 4
  7. Avatar Chebby Member

    Oh man, if I had only not just bought that Chevy truck! Been looking for one of these. Color is funky….like Fawn Beige with pond algae in it, but looks like an old school Matchbox car. Some Torque Thrusts would be perfect on this.

    Like 3
  8. Avatar Jim22

    I wonder what happened to the side mirrors?

    Like 0
    • Avatar Chebby Member

      GOOD EYE, JIM.

      Like 1
  9. Avatar Little_Cars

    “We don’t need no stinkin’ mirrors!” Probably removed for painting the van. Normally the sideview mirrors were dealer-installed and reflected the intended use for the vehicle.

    Like 0
  10. Avatar jimmy the orphan

    I love Corvairs. My brother had a van like this. They ride very smooth with all coil springs. Quiet as well. This van has the Spider 150 turbo dash panel in it. spedo. tach. oil press. fuel gage boost gage but no boost. This van would be great with the 4 carb. 140 hp engine. I’m not wasting any 150 hp or 180hp engine on a van. These vans are nicer then a VW any day in my book………………….JIMMY

    Like 4
  11. Avatar TimM

    Cool as can be!! This thing has been well cared for and it shows!! It is an iconic Chevrolet and would be a great cruiser!! It amazes me what vans have turned into from these beginnings!!!

    Like 3
  12. Avatar Stevieg

    I have no purpose to own this, but I so want to own it lol. Not a fan of the color, but that just doesn’t matter to me lol. Neat van!

    Like 1
  13. Avatar chrlsful

    yep, vee dub, subie, porsche motor (not on my watch !). Speakin of watch, I C the handles under the windows – facin ya in ‘pic 3’…I thought window rollers – naw this puppy is the rare 8 dor model. I would have it for more of a wrk role than this owner (ppl mover). Just the motor stickin up (similar to the microbus). How bout the p/i version w/the integral ramp (side)? There wuz a ‘vair OEM with a super charger…
    EDIT:
    may B not 8 dor after all…

    Like 0

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