1961.E2.80.931965 Corvair Greenbrier Sportswagon Chevrolet Greenbrier




chevrolet introduced corvair lineup 1960 model year first of series of generations of passenger compact cars. chevrolet introduced more utilitarian style of vehicle following year under model designation corvair 95 . in appearance , design vehicles similar competing volkswagen transporter, bus-like adaptation of volkswagen beetle moved driver on front wheels (forward control), commonly defined cab on vehicle.


the corvair air-cooled horizontally opposed 6-cylinder engine located in rear of vehicle under raised cargo floor. similar in principle 4-cylinder engine of volkswagen, unusual contemporary cars. 145 cu in (2,375 cc) engine developed 80 hp (60 kw) @ 4,400 rpm. engine size increased 164 cu in (2,683 cc) 1964 model year, raising output 95 hp (71 kw). unlike corvair cars, corvair greenbrier had 95 in (2,400 mm) wheelbase , known 95s. came standard three-speed manual transmission ordered two-speed corvair powerglide automatic transmission (distinct usual powerglide); four-speed manual made available.



rear view of 1964 greenbrier sportswagon



1962 rampside pickup - rear engine placement under loadbed



1962 chevrolet corvair greenbrier


there 2 different bodies available in 95 series: van , truck. base version panel van (corvan) no side or rear windows. van named greenbrier. greenbrier had windows around , 6 doors, although option have 8 doors there opening double doors on both sides. greenbrier seated 9 people available third-row seat. 95s , cars had optional heater running off of gasoline vehicle s tank. greenbrier had camper option.


a corvair truck ordered loadside or rampside . loadside pickup truck standard tail gate. loadside produced 2 years , rarest of corvairs; production totaled 2,844 in 1961 , 369 in 1962. rampside had side ramp used loading , unloading cargo. these used bell telephone company, because loading , unloading of cable drums eased side ramp.


ford , chrysler introduced compact vans of own (the ford econoline , dodge a100), using more conventional water-cooled engine mounted between front seats. these became successful, general motors responded own design placed chevy ii sourced engine in doghouse between , behind front seats. forward engine design allowed flat rear floor low deck heights in rear of van loading/unloading cargo. general motors stopped producing truck versions of corvair in 1964 , greenbrier remaining 95 in (2,400 mm) wheelbase corvair 1965. eventually, chevrolet , volkswagen abandon rear-engined vans in favor of conventional or front-wheel-drive water-cooled engines.


although greenbriers limited success, passenger vans continue evolve through full-sized vans. sized 7–8 passenger become successful vehicle segment 1980s alternatives station wagons.









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