The Chevy Corvair Greenbrier is an interesting alternative to the numerous (and often pricey) VW Buses that spring up for sale. They can be converted for any number of uses, from a tricked-out camper van to a perfect advertising gimmick if used for commercial purposes. This ’62 model found here on craigslist appears to have emerged from long-term storage but may be incorrectly listed as a Greenbrier – do you agree? Thanks to Barn Finds reader Mark A. for the find!
That generous helping of dust on the front glass tells us this vantastic Corvair hasn’t moved in some time. But let’s stop ourselves here before we go much further: is this really a Greenbrier as advertised? I suspect given the lack of side windows that this is actually a Corvair 95 Corvan panel van, which was made from 61-64. Built for more industrial applications, there was less of a need for folding beds and lots of glass if you were hauling plumbing materials or chimney sweeping equipment. However, if you wanted to add more windows, it was an option from the factory.
Surely, the paint and wheels are not stock, but I could be wrong on the color. It just has that feeling of a 60s-era custom paint job, the kind that’s begging for some metalflake to be mixed in. The chrome bumpers were an option on the Corvans, so someone checked that box. The low loading height was designed to make it easier for loading and unloading of equipment, but it also helped give the van a more aggressive stance, in my opinion. Not much is known about the history of this example, other than a previous owner stripped out a helicoil and it may run again with a new one.
In this picture, you can see the potential written all over this van. I have a feeling the paint job is not high quality (note the matching door handles) and the seller says there is some rust. But for only $2,500, you could have an automatic entry into any vanning event you choose, not to mention a wicked work vehicle if you happen to have a business that could benefit from the low loading deck. There are plenty of Corvair specialists out there who can help you get the motor issues sorted out, too. What do you think – is this Corvan worth repairing?
Wiki claims, all Corvair 95 vans ( 95 for the 95 inch wheelbase) were Greenbrier’s. The pickups were not. I was never a fan ( pun intended) of Corvair vans ( or any of the “cab-forward” vans), but this is a great find. I believe parts are still around, and with the wheels, it’s a sharp looking van. Cool find for the Corvair enthusiast. BTW, Chevy re-introduced the “Greenbrier” name in ’69-’72 medium trim Chevelle wagons.
In Corvair parlance, the Greenbriar is the passenger version with windows both sides. A display van would have windows only on the right side. Many Ma Bell vans were display vans.
Greenbriers are passenger vans with full windows and the four side windows roll down with hand cranks, like in a car. Corvair 95’s are every other van configuration, although you could spec them with windows and GB options. A van with full non-rolling windows is still a 95.
This one might have yellow industrial paint still on it, but given the American Racing Daisy wheels and Venturi Vent in the roof, it’s probably been repainted and maybe lowered an inch or two. Interior pictures would be good, was well as the rust along the door seams.
My Dad had a ’62 Corvan drove for work. Bench seat up front, no seats behind. He built a floor across the dip in the floor by the side panel doors.
I don’t know if that’s the original color for this van, but it’s close to the stock Yuma Yellow that was offered on the Corvair 95’s. I had a ’63 Greenbrier that was Yuma Yellow with a white stripe. Looked a bit like a little school bus.
No Corvair guy would refer to this as a Greenbrier, no matter what Wiki says. It’s a Corvair 95 van. I can’t imagine anyone buying it without better photos than that.
This is a Corvan. Obviously lowered and the yellow paint is not stock as with the top vent, rear reflectors and of course the wheels. You want to look for rust on the door sills and drill drainage holes in the doors to prevent further rust. Very cool van though. Mine is a 63 and was a plumbers van and I always get thumbs up and gawkers. You will be the star of any shows in this one.
Nice van.
this van was posted 7 days ago on craiglist,the e-mail is unrespondsive there is no such phone number .i think the whole craiglist post is made up
I love it!
It’s just what I need to set beside my 63 econoline cargo van that I haven’t finished!
Would like more pictures for sure
I was never a fan of the corvan until recently. They have grown on me. I like this one.