Rare Transporter: 1963 Chevrolet Greenbrier Van
Chevrolet gets kudos for developing its air-cooled, rear-engine Corvair; it was a radical departure from everything else that GM was producing at the dawn of the 1960s. Gone for over a half a century now, the Corvair still has its dedicated followers and enthusiast clubs – they are still a common sight. The Corvair derivative that is a lot less common is the Corvair 95 van and its passenger equivalent, the Greenbrier. And for further review, here is a nicely modded 1963 Greenbrier van, located in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and available here on craigslist for $6,900. Thanks to Rocco B. for this tip!
The Corvair van, known officially as the “Corvair 95” for its 95-inch wheelbase, was produced between 1961 and 1965 with the “Corvan” being the windowless delivery version (discontinued in 1964) and the “Greenbrier” handling the role of passenger mover. While the Greenbrier’s competitive target was the VW Type II “Transporter” it was never quite the sales success that was originally intended. The concept of a van-based people transporter lived on after the Greenbrier’s demise, however, with the Chevy-Van which proved to be wildly successful in its multiple iterations and is still in production today as the Express Cargo and Express Passenger vans.
As mentioned at the outset, it is an air-cooled, rear-mounted engine that makes the Greenbrier unique among its domestic competitors. In 1963, the flat six-cylinder engine displaced 145 CI, was good for 80 gross HP. The seller is advertising the engine in this van as producing 140 HP and there was a 140 HP Corvair motor available in 1965 so this is either a later replacement engine or the original has been ginned up to produce more power. He does state that the rebuilt engine has, “2 different air cleaner setups.” It is described as being a good runner and it drives through a Powerglide two-speed, automatic transaxle.
Other notable mechanical improvements include an electrical conversion to an alternator, a dual master cylinder swap, finned oil and valve covers, a new gas tank and recently redone brakes. A lot of effort has been lavished on this van to make it more roadworthy and enjoyable to drive.
The exterior of this Greenbrier shows well in its original shade of Tangier Copper. There are some bumps and bruises in the sheet metal but they are all minor detractions. There is no evidence of rust or misaligned body panels though the bumpers could stand a repaint so that they stay more in the character and condition of the body. The inclusion of the chrome American Racing style wheels gives the exterior of this van some great eye-ball appeal. The exterior, all-in-all, is quite nice but not so nice that you would worry about where you drive or park this van.
The interior of this Chevy appears as it probably did in ’63. The seller mentions that there are three bench seats present so that ups the passenger functionality and provides all-in-one transport for the new owner and his or her nine closest friends and/or family members. The striped seat fabric, which is starting to separate in places, is in keeping with the 1963 interior decor of the Greenbrier but it is unknown if the upholstery is original. The fawn painted metal surfaces and a rubber floor mat is as was originally intended. About two months ago, we covered another ’63 Greenbrier here and discussed interior accouterments and other matters.
This is a pretty rare vehicle but not so rare that it cannot be driven regularly and enjoyed. It’s in nice condition but no more so than driver quality. The addition of updated modifications will make everyday driving easier and safer; and based on the engine’s claimed output, probably a lot more fun too. Think about it, a Kia Sedona, a Honda Odyssey or this Greenbrier, which would you choose?
Auctions Ending Soon
2002 Subaru Impreza WRXBid Now7 hours$333
1975 Chevrolet Corvette ConvertibleBid Now8 hours$4,000
1964 Ford F-100 Camper CustomBid Now9 hours$2,000
2006 Jeep Wrangler SportBid Now2 days$11,000
1974 Datsun 260ZBid Now4 days$750
Comments
I’d take this one over the Sedona or Odyssey any day. Mainly because it doesn’t look like every other people movers. Also because the color is other than black, silver or white!
Hard to tell, but it appears to be a 140HP motor. Those had four carbs- 2 on each side. You can faintly see under the air-cleaners the fuel lines splitting off to two carbs?
Definitely not a van motor with the oil filler by the fuel pump and the dipstick through the shroud.
Very unique deck lid set up too.
The proper spelling is “Greenbrier” not “Greenbriar”. This was in keeping with one of Chevrolet’s model-designation protocols. They used upscale geographic names such as Bel Air, Biscayne, and later on Malibu to connote an aura of class.
There was never a Hamtramck or Hoboken to my knowledge.
Interestingly The Greenbrier is a resort in the hills of West Virginia that gained popularity in the mid-19th century when the wealthy would “take the waters” of the natural sulphur springs to help with all manner of health issues, including rheumatism. A side effect of sulphur water is that it stinks and if you drink it it makes you poop a lot. Evidently some people thought this cleansing was a good idea.
No accounting what the rich do with their money, I guess.
Fixed, thx.
it was also the nuclear fall out shelter for the president and other politicians. Until the news media told about it. I think this is also a car hobby –not English class.
Obviously…
Although I’d rather have a 1988 Caravan, this van would be a great place to hang my Utica Town & Country 3 CB radio under its dash and throw a pair of Hustler Twin Trucker antennas on those junior West Coast mirrors.
In about another week or so I will be advertising here a 1989 Caravan, pristine body, stick shift. It runs & drives great but the waterpump is leaking so I will be putting a waterpump & timing belt on it before I advertise it here. If you like these Van’s, keep an eye out for it.
Wow, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a cleaner Corvair motor. Usually, they were oily, dripping messes,,,from the factory. I think these were best of the “cab forward” vans. Sadly, you almost never saw them. Cool find.
Hey Howard! ………True that about clean, but this is not the original engine, it’s a later model 164ci-140hp dressed up power plant. Now you could actually have the original redone with modern material viton o-rings and modern gaskets and seal them up as good as any engine. This one also has embellished covers and pans. The Corvair engine design was great and advanced in most respects and durable, just needing some parts engineering to catch up with it’s advanced design. Those boys did a good job given what they had. I’m having fun and trouble free operation from my 1965 Monza convertible. $6000! I paid locally near Madison, Wisconsin and no significant rust. (I looked for a good one) Compare my classic to what you see here on this site and keep your money in the bank. Fun factor is quite high, handles great as it is and I have plans to add quicker ratio steering and more durable suspension bushings in time.
Beautiful van, timeless design, right engine replacement but what are those blue blankets hiding?
They were hiding the seats. Lols like the owner pulled them off and threw them on the floor to reveal the seat covers.
Boy, that “Fawn ” interior color to me just screams early 1960s ! It seems like so many American companies used that shade in their cars and trucks . This is a really cool Corvair ,the owner did the right kind of changes for safety and reliability . The only thing I would change would be changing the oil pan and valve covers back to stock , other that that I would have a blast just cruising around in it .
Unless someone desired to return the entire van back to stock, there would be not real reason to ditch the pan and covers. If the orange is what bothers, just fill in those stripes with black or something acceptable.
The Valve covers and pan are cast, and strong, and will tend to leak less than the sheet metal ones. The pan also adds rigidity to the case, if it fits well and has properly torqued bolts.
Lovely looking Corvair Greenbrier. I consider it a damn shame that it was discontinued after 1964. I believe it would’ve made for a great competitor for the VW Transporter (Bus), had it been continued.
I think the most I rember them was . They didn,t have any power going up a hill. Seems like they were always going slow. Or used as delievery vehicles for grocerys. Its a good looking van. Be good for picking up women and partying in. Wouldn,t have to pay for a high price motel. Camp in it. Alot of uses for it. I like it and wouldn,t be in a hurry to get up hill.
https://youtu.be/fSKq2gT-xM0
Corvair Aircraft Engine
Really nice shape and in my opinion for the work done it seems like a steal of a deal!! The interior is clean and so are the mechanicals!! No rust!! I’m not in the market for one of these but it sure is tempting!!!
I drove one of these for a few years delivering candy. My boss had A/C added with a roof top condenser, , which certainly pulled down the power. It was still a lot of fun to drive.
If anyone is interested, in it but can’t get there to look at it, I will be going past there twice on Sunday (4/26/2020) & I wouldn’t mind stopping to take a look at it. Call me at (414)940-1392 if you want me to do so.
I don’t get up that way often, but I need to run up north to my cousins neck of the woods (literally) to drop off something. Just offering since I will be near by there.
Without hesitation
Honda Odyssey for me
100 hp
2 speed tranny
4 drum brakes
Carburators
Ahaha
Such an easy choice for me
Extremely minimal rust. Super nice condition. Not a bank buster like many on here. Buy and boogie the same day. The deal of the year in my opinion. SERIOUSLY!!!!!
88, 89 Dodge Caravan, Honda Odyssey, Kia Sedona, compared to a 63 Corvair van? Not to insult guys; but I think you are on the wrong site. 63 Corvair is old school cool. I don’t know WHAT the vehicles are that you mentioned.
I wasn’t suggesting that a 1989 Caravan is highly collectible, but it is now an oddity.
I just sold a 1980 Horizon on this website. I feel that the Horizon wasn’t a highly collectible vehicle either, but it was a neat, rarely seen car now. Same as the Caravan.
I would never compare the Caravan to this cool Corvair! I was just mentioning it to someone who stated an interest in them. Please don’t take offense to that. Also, please don’t take offense to it when I list it here. It is, after all, a 31 year old vehicle and also seldom seen now.
I definitely agree with you regarding the Odyssey, unless it is a first generation Odyssey. Those are now kinda cool, in a twisted way lol.
I love Korean cars for daily drivers, but there is nothing collectible about a Sedona lol.
But your stating “not to insult you…” was rather condescending. Let’s try to be open minded here.
I wasn’t suggesting that a 1989 Caravan is highly collectible, but it is now an oddity.
I just sold a 1980 Horizon on this website. I feel that the Horizon wasn’t a highly collectible vehicle either, but it was a neat, rarely seen car now. Same as the Caravan.
I would never compare the Caravan to this cool Corvair! I was just mentioning it to someone who stated an interest in them. Please don’t take offense to that. Also, please don’t take offense to it when I list it here. It is, after all, a 31 year old vehicle and also seldom seen now.
I definitely agree with you regarding the Odyssey, unless it is a first generation Odyssey. Those are now kinda cool, in a twisted way lol.
I love Korean cars for daily drivers, but there is nothing collectible about a Sedona lol.
But your stating “not to insult you…” was rather condescending. Let’s try to be open minded here.