You know when you look at a project and think….hmmm this is too far gone? Is there just a little bit too much rust? Maybe it’s got solid bones but you can’t see past the nests that local animals have made into their home for the past 15 years. Well, for those who like to gamble and can’t live without a Chevrolet Corvair Van then we have just the ad for you on Craigslist here. It’s available for $4,000 in Richmond, Virginia, and thanks to Chuck Foster for this tip!
There is scant information in this advert to go on, other than 5 photos and confirmation that this is indeed a ‘Barn Find in decent shape’. For those familiar with the Corvair Van, these were based on the Corvair chassis, which were built as the US response to the Beetle, having its engine in the rear. Naturally, they also wanted a Van to compete with the VW Bus and thus the Corvair Van was born, also known as the ‘Corvan’. These came with more powerful engines than the VW too, with about 80hp compared to the 53hp of the VW.
However, you really are taking a stab in the dark with the one we have here today, given there is so little to see. So what can we see from the photos? Well, it looks like it was originally the panel van version in red. It has some of its chrome trim on the front of the car around the headlights but is missing its original chrome bumpers. Surprisingly, the panels look in decent condition from afar, without any significant damage or dents and dings. It needs a good wash first and then checked over with a fine tooth comb. It does appear to have filler or paint on the rear quarter which could suggest rot.
On the interior, we have what can only be described as a rats nest both on the floor and within the seats. I would want to wear a hazmat suit when clearing this one out. I would actually say this car is meant for someone who already has a Corvair project and needs parts, or knows their way around one of these and can quickly identify if this one can be saved. Do you think it’s too far gone, or not a worthwhile project to bring back to life?
The word rough comes to mind on this one along with the price being rough on the wallet for what you don’t get. If it’s not rusty underneath it’s a possible restoration candidate but it’s not going to be cheap.
$250 Parts car, if u can find 250 worth of usable parts on it.
$250? That’s probably what this seller paid for it!
The engine alone,if it runs, is valuable.
$4,000? Give your head a shake.
It always amazes me that sellers don’t make the vehicle look as good as it can when trying to sell it. Would it have been that hard to clean out the interior and wash it?
I don’t think it had a chrome bumper. Most of them were pained white.
The Corvan had white bumpers, the Greenbriar had chrome available. Very minimal bodywork needs from what can be seen. The wiring up front is pretty basic in these.
As long as it’s only surface rust, and the body and the frame can be cleaned up and restored, I’d think it’d be worth saving and resto’d, at least to the point of driveability.