You don’t see these every day—especially not this clean. Up for grabs on Bainbridge Island, Washington is a rare 1964 Chevrolet Corvair Rampside pickup, one of just 851 built that year. With 76,000 miles and long-term ownership, this air-cooled oddball has lived a gentle, well-documented life and is now listed here on craigslist for $20,000 or best offer.
If you’re unfamiliar, the Rampside was part of Chevy’s forward-control Corvair 95 lineup and featured a side-loading ramp integrated into the passenger side of the bed. Powered by a rear-mounted, air-cooled flat-six, it was unlike any other truck on the market. This one sports the 164ci engine with dual carbs, rated at 110 horsepower, and it’s paired to a 2-speed Powerglide automatic transmission.
The seller has owned Corvairs for over 40 years and bought this truck in 2001 from a previous owner on Mercer Island. It’s been garaged ever since and used sparingly—usually once a month—with regular maintenance and complete service records. While not perfect, it’s extremely original and very solid.
There’s a small rust spot ahead of the right rear wheel and some surface rust in the corners of the bed, hidden under a heavy rubber mat. A previous owner added a small hole in the bed floor (possibly for a camper drain), but it hasn’t been an issue. Much of the original finish remains visible, and the seller emphasizes its unmodified condition, with the only notable upgrade being a Pertronix Ignitor II in place of the factory points.
The interior follows suit—aged but original, with nothing missing or heavily altered. It’s the kind of patina that collectors appreciate, especially on low-production utility vehicles like this.
Also included: any and all extra Corvair parts the seller has accumulatedover the decades, whether Rampside-specific or not. And if you’re new to the Corvair world, they’ll even throw in a one-year CORSA (Corvair Society of America) membership.
Rampsides are quirky, collectible, and increasingly hard to find in this kind of condition. Whether you’re after a usable classic hauler or a conversation-starting showpiece, this one looks like a solid deal from a passionate longtime owner.
Would you daily-drive this side-loading classic or tuck it away for special weekend hauls?
I can see adding a Conestoga-type hoop ‘tent’ over the bed, and going cramping with this rig, on its way back to RI.
I have never seen one of these in person but always thought they’d make a great motorcycle hauler and great little truck. I hated the fake mag wheel hubcaps Chevy had back then when I was younger but they look cool now.
One of GM’s better ideas.
It would be easy to get a motorcycle up the ramp, but it would be difficult to get the entire bike in far enough to close the ramp-door because most motorcycles as much wider than the bed. Cool truck though.
This truck would make a great Cars and Coffee / Grocery getter!!! If it were on the East coast I might think about it???
unfortunately the motor takes ‘bed’ space (or ‘interior’ in the van), no?
No reason not to have it tho. My reason to like is that cheb produceda
nother van simultaneously for a few years B4 this wenta way. My fav
van too ’64/6. 4 cyl and two i6 motors (3.3 & 3.8). That 1st gen would look good next to this
Ditch the plastic mag wheel covers and replace with Cragar SS all the way. But that’s just me.