The Corvan models, which were the panel delivery models, offered no side windows on the vehicle while the Greenbrier models offered windows throughout. The Greenbrier model was 70 inches wide and 68˝ inches high.
The Loadside models, which were only produced for two years, were a pickup truck version of the Corvair. The Loadside model is considered as the rarest Corvair trucks for only 369 models were produced.
The Rampside models offered an 80-cubic feet capacity cargo box which could hold up to 1,900lbs. Within the Rampside model, two heaters were available for the driver and passengers. One heater was a gasoline burner while the other was ducted for warm air to flow from the engine into the cab. The Rampside pickup model offered a hinged side door that opened downward to form a ramp for easier loading from the side.
Corvan
Loadside
Rampside
The Corvair truck models was a totally new concept in design offered to the consumer because of imported light trucks, such as the Volkswagon Transporter models, that were continue to grow in popularity in the 1960's. In 1964, General Motors halted production on the Corvair truck versions; however, the Greenbrier models were available for consumer purchase through 1965.
Today, Corvair models are still very popular among many collectors. Television talk show host, Jay Leno of the Tonight Show, owns two Corvair models within his personal collection. Jay Leno, drove his Corvair Ramside to the last broadcast of the Tonight Show on May 29, 2009. The model was newly restored and like new cost $50,000 in restoration. This rare and exciting model will always be remembered as a totally new concept in light-duty trucking.
A special thanks to Robert Tate, Automotive Historian and Researcher, for donating his story to the MotorCities Story of the Week program. Photographs courtesy of Robert Tate’s Collection. Please do not use any photographs without the permission of MotorCities/Robert Tate. For further information contact Robert Tate at btate@motorcities.org
If you have a story that you would like to donate to be featured as a MotorCities Story of the Week, email Lisa Ambriez at: lambriez@motorcities.org