This is a great example of a nicely restored 1961 Chevrolet Corvair Greenbrier Van. Introduced by Chevrolet to compete with the growing popularity of the Volkswagen Kombi, the Greenbrier used similar air cooled technology with a horizontally opposed “Turbo-air” 6cyl engine mounted in the rear under a raised rear cargo floor. There were a number of transmissions available with the base being a 3 speed manual or the option of a power glide auto or a 4 speed manual like is in this car. The vans were rear wheel drive in a similar platform to their Volkswagen competitors.

The Greenbrier could be ordered as a base without windows or in a full passenger version like this one with 6 opening doors, 9 seats and windows all round. This van is the deluxe version with two tone paintwork in Tampico turquoise and white. The van sits on its original style steel wheels with thin white wall and correct style hub caps.

Inside the vans are minimalistic, the doors are all painted to match the outside rather than trimmed, as is the dash. The original steering wheel remains in place and looks cool in the matching two tone colour scheme. The interior has been completely re-trimmed in the original vinyl and cloth combination. The headliner is a feature in white with turquoise slats separating it across the width of the van. Possibly the coolest aspect of these vans, is that the second row of seating can easily be changed from either forward facing or rearward facing making for a cool social experience for passengers in the back. The front six windows all roll down for great airflow through the cabin.

A super cool 60’s style US van for someone who is wanting something different. Would make a fantastic promotional vehicle or bus for a business who needed to ferry clients around while giving them a unique experience. All of the coolness of an early Kombi and more at a fraction of the cost.

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