1961 Chevy Corvair Greenbriar Review - An Air-cooled 8 DOOR Van!

[@davidgrisez]

I am 73 years old. When I was growing up there was a family that lived in a nearby home that had a Corvair Greenbriar Van. A group of us neighborhood children were carpooled to school in this Chevrolet Greenbriar Van. The neighbors Chevrolet Greenbriar Van had the two speed power glide automatic transmission. On the automatic transmission model of the Chevrolet Greenbriar Van the transmission selector lever was on the right side of the dashboard. There were three transmission options available for the Chevrolet Greenbriar Van. The base transmission was a three speed manual transmission. The two other transmission options were the 4 speed manual transmission and the two speed power glide automatic transmission.

[@UraniumBullets]

Common misconception, when it comes to the book Unsafe at Any Speed, the Corvair was only really the topic of the first chapter and not the entire book.

[@bazilwreckerloughead]

I LOVE that van, all classic cars. It looked like the side door windows roll down!

[@ACF6180T]

Yes they do, & they roll all the way down with only 3.5 cranks, & he didn't show how the doors open all the way flush with the body. I own a 1964 Greenbrier Deluxe 6 door, & in 1964 they up the displacement from a 145 C.I. to 164 C.I & had standard H.P. rating of 95 H.P. with a optional 110 H.P. offered mine has the 110 with the 2 speed Power-Glide these vans were way more powerful 💪💪💪than any VW bus offering of the time. Plenty of H.P. to go down the interstates; Try that in a VW bus. The last year for the Greenbrier was 1965, & 8 doors are quite rare for any year.

[@georgekrpan3181]

I had a '64 Greenbriar that I bought in the early 80s in fantastic condition. Mine was a Powerglide automatic, six door, and it was green! I loved it, it was a far better car than my '66 VW split window bus. I was far quieter, smoother riding, way more powerful, and way more roadable. It kept up with modern traffic, no problem at all.

[@sneff1052]

I own a greenbrier myself and I have solved the issue of the very hot engine bay by closing the 2 air recirculating slots. These are made for quicker heating up the engine when cold but they continue to heat the engine after it warmed up

[@darianthescorpion1132]

Would you say the Corvair Greenbrier is kinda like an American VW Bus?

[@PennsyPappas]

@@darianthescorpion1132 essentially it was the only true competitor to the Volkswagen as the chevy and VW were the only two that offered a van/micro bus with rear doors on both sides and had rear engines if thats a selling point. of course you can see which one won the popularity and historical significance contest. but for a time someone tried to compete with volkswagen

[@ACF6180T]

@@PennsyPappas VW could never match the power of the Greenbrier, & allot of people found that out when they tried getting out on the interstates. I've seen VW conversions to a Corvair power plant for that reason alone. I luv my 64 Greenbrier Deluxe with the 110 FC engine; Feel the power.

[@darianthescorpion1132]

@@PennsyPappas Right on 👍

[@PennsyPappas]

@@ACF6180T That's alright the Greenbrier isn't much better. I mean it is but still it's no speed demon and she will struggle up hills. But it'll get you where you want to go and it's just enough to make it highway worthy. So long as your highway speeds are only 60-70 max or jdeally less and it's relatively flat lol.

[@bretfisher7286]

These are among the funkiest of all American vehicles ever made. I owned two Corvairs, and loved the cars. They're incredibly interesting and very daring for General Motors. Today, this vehicle would be considered very, very primitive and difficult, but this is 1961. They were stout, simply made, and, although clumsy, very reliable. And-- if you love cult cars, this is definitely one!

[@robertflanders1158]

There are "Cup holders" up front, did you look in the glove compartment? It's more like a little shelf to place drinks when you are not moving.

[@GeeEm1313]

Those don't count. They don't hold your cup. More like cup placements.

[@wigletron2846]

Those are for drive in movies

[@dancingtrout6719]

@@GeeEm1313 they do too count

[@clarkleakins879]

The Corvair van was much better on the highway than the VW, depending upon what transmission in the Corvair. Two different 2 speed power glide transmissions available. One geared lower for around town delivery. The other highway geared. This motor was a favorite for dune buggies. Especially Myers Manx. Known as "the poor mans Porsche". We had same white/blue color, lower geared power glide. Added a desiel electric horn, was great! The muffler fell apart. Replaced it with chrome one from a Honda 450. Looked and sounded great. Many fun adventures with family and friends. Added seat belts, 3 per rear bench. Carrled a Honda Trail 90 on the front bumper, no reinforcement required. Overheated often in summer heat going up long hills. Added side air scoops helped delay the overheating. One annoying trait. Flip the drivers door handle up before exiting, then close the door, locked the door! Keys locked in the ignition was known to happen. Hide a key box was prevalent with these owners.

[@OmarDenarzi]

I think this is the only Chevy Corvair bus review on KZbin ❤.

[@Hamsteak]

These are my favourite videos, the weird, quirky and the old

[@RadioReprised]

My first truck was the Rampside Pick-up and it never ran too hot even in the 110F Desert we live in. It sure made moving Motorcycles or Refrigerators EASY!

[@michaeltipton5500]

We actually had one of these growing up that was indeed green too. We liked it because it could haul all of us kids. We got to go places we normally wouldn't be able to go. It wasn't fast but it eventually got up to speed. I don't remember my dad having to work on it much so it must have been pretty reliable. By the time I was old enough to drive we graduated to a Buick station wagon.

[@PennsyPappas]

so heres a bit more history on the van. it was bought of course brand new by our grandpa for the growing family. he had 5 kids and a wife to haul around the grandma and grampa started looking for a van. grandpa wanted a van with rear doors both sides of which only two brands offered and were both rear engine. grandma wanted a more conventional front engine van with proven tested technology such as an econoline. well grandpa made the ahem executive decision to preorder the van he wanted and didnt tell her till the day they had to pick it up. of course she was quite unhappy and on top of that they had to drive from marshalltown Iowa to the dealership in omaha to get it. Story goes grandma never forgave him for the purchase of the van. which was the only new car he ever bought in his life. also that front step was meant for grandma as she was small and struggled to get in and the armrests were from a kaiser. were so grateful to keep the car in the family given its rich history.

[@ACF6180T]

IMHO Grandpa made the right decision; The Greenbrier was way better in the snow than the Econoline, & had way more H.P. than the VW.

[@PennsyPappas]

@@ACF6180T Yeah we think it was pretty good decision for long run but we do often wonder if he had owned an 8 door VW and how much that Be worth.

[@ACF6180T]

@@PennsyPappas Yeah I've seen what those sell for, & I've seen what people bought them for 10 years ago, & what the current market is for them; Not all, but allot of those buyers from 10 years lost money on what they are bringing now, & the same can be said of the 95 Rampsides even though they are still holding there value because of the rarity. I think most of the buyers of the VW Microbus bought them at the peak of market, & some of them are having buyers remorse. In hindsight none of these vehicles were meant to last this long, & are really not blue chip vehicles. Also nobody had the foresight to hold on to economy vehicle or had the foresight to look at it as a investment. Value is only based on demand. I've had a few vehicle from the 60's that were worth nothing when I bought them in the late 70's, & early 80's that I bought out of the need for transportation, & sold them for what I paid for them. As I look back I wish I still had them for what they are selling for now, But they did serve there purpose.

[@PennsyPappas]

@@ACF6180T It doesn't surprise me that a number of people have bought them at super peak prices and won't make their money back. Of course you never do on old cars really even if it seems like you will. Of course these Greenbriers have pretty much a capped value in comparison to the ramp sides and VW in general but I'm just glad we have something other than the what most people have or want. Heck even when I go to a store to buy model cars or hot wheels VW buses are super common where as Greenbriers not so much if at all. The fact that this one was out grandpa's and has original everything just makes it all that much more special to us. We even have the driving log of this car and EVERY place this car went is documented, even the grocery stores. I hope we will get to enjoy this car for many years to come.

[@ACF6180T]

@@PennsyPappas I like the whole story on how this Greenbrier has stayed with one family since new, & that is as unique as the Greenbrier it self. I have a somewhat unique story on our Greenbrier as well, But not as interesting as yours. When I bought this 64 Greenbrier I did not know the whole history of her, But found out later that it was bought new in Richmond Va. & was later bought used by a couple in Chesapeake Va. & later sold to a couple in Danville Va. And when we bought it her name was Cookie, & we lived in Manassas Va.when I found out who all the previous owners were; We named her Virginia, & she still resides in Va. for the last 35 years with us. & we just thought the name was fitting. She has been owned in pretty much in each part of the state N. S. E. & W. I just think it is neat how this Greenbrier has lived in one state.

[@andyevans2336]

Yes, we had the green 63 six door version that we loaded all 9 family members from Washington to Minnesota for evey summer vacation for over a decade.

[@davidp2888]

Let's go do several back seat reviews.

[@bwofficial1776]

Always nice to see a video on one of these. I've never seen an 8-door and you really have to wonder why vans never really did the driver's side door. There's a guy in my area who has a 6-door. He used to be on KZbin, East Coast Classics. It's impressive how many bodies GM got out of the Corvair platform. They really weren't bad cars by the standards of the time. It's a shame Ralph Nader did a hit job on them.

[@berniemcfadden7760]

Wow a true rare survivor in beautiful condition. I want one! I own a "66" Corvair monza convertible that is so much fun to drive

[@andysaunders3708]

Favorite van ever, damn you. I would swap my PT Cruiser for that thing any day. Love that Chevy.

[@ACF6180T]

I don't think anybody would be willing to make that trade🙃🙃😉.

[@drfalcon4102]

My Father had a 1962 Greenbrier,, 80 horse, with a 3 speed, slow but it got worked to death,, later my brother got it, and swapped in a 110 horse engine,,

[@Hobotraveler82]

My dad owned a 65 Corvair Monza coupe. I got to see a Greenbrier van at a Corvair meet. Fell in love and been a fan since. 😊

[@RobsNeighbor]

My neighbor Rob has a friend who had a Corvair van here last week, Great video!

[@jamesengland7461]

It would've been hilarious- and actually practical- to be able to order the turbo engine for this van!

[@IOLIVER88]

Man these are way better than cars nowadays at least cars back in the day were colorful and looks really really cool and ran really good now we have the most boring cars that don’t run after you go for a car wash

[@Hamsteak]

This is so unique, like a domestic VW hippy van

[@njhampster]

Rode in one of these many times. My uncle owned one. Great seating for family trips! And it was actually green

[@youtubecarspottersguide1]

1961 8 door greenbrier sports wagon .... like that the 4 middle windows roll down ,another name is forward control or FC it had a 95 "wb so. the the ramp side truck and panel "corvan " where called CORVAIR 95"

[@kestrelhawkins8728]

LOL the fart pill guy. It made me think of an old Econoline that was parked not far from my house. Someone had made a sign in the back window that read: "Danger! Watch for jet blast!"

[@craig0769]

With everything working perfectly, Corvair engines NEVER overheat unless the head temp reached over 400°F under stress/ full throttle which is impossible to achieve with only 80hp on a 130°F August day in Death Valley. However the original fuel induction system does cause problems….and of course losing the fan belt is obviously not optional. Now too many extreme thermal cycles of the engine will result in dropped valve seats which will, over 30 years time, ruin the engine. Constant low oil due to leaks reduces the cooling of the engine too.

[@gaufrid1956]

Your channel is so interesting, Zack. Where I live in Mindanao Philippines, there are actually vans (and dual cab pickups), called "Multicabs". Both versions have sliding rear side doors, allowing for "walk through" access. The design is cab over, but the engine is the venerable Suzuki 660cc three cylinder turbo, and mounted under the driver's seat. They come in 4x2 and 4x4 versions. You'd love them. Thanks again for an excellent video on a unique vehicle.

[@grayharker6271]

We drove a family of 5 an Grandma from NC to Canada, Idaho and back to NC in a white Greenbriar. We later sold it to Pop Rock band, that drove it to shows loader full of equipment.

[@alnelson525]

My dad had one of those with the 2 speed automatic. It moved our family of 8, but it was slow. Next car was a 1963 Ford Club wagon with 3 speed manual.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Zack, You just don't see as many 8 door, rear-engine, air cooled, two-tone paint, manual vans as you used to 😉🤣

[@stoneylonesome4062]

I believe this thing is bigger than it’s obvious competitor, the Volkswagen Type-2 Vanagon (ones from the same time period).

[@jamesbulldogmiller]

Nader had a failed political career. Wht was wrong with the Corvair was that people didn't maintain proper air pressure in the tires.

[@barriobajaj]

Was it intentional to park it in front of a porti-potty that was the same exact two tone color? As for the hot engine cover. Does it have a thermal insulation pad on the engine side? That and a Thermo-Tec type insulation and sound deadening pad glued to the interior side of the cover along with an automotive carpet or heat resistant rubberized pad would keep down the heat and engine noise better than just the uninsulated engine cover. Overall this is an amazing Corvair van. I'd keep that 8 track player but imho that grungy, green shag carpet has to go.

[@cjpappas7726]

There is some insulation on the engine side of the rear cover. I don't want to change the originality of the van by adding sound deadening material, even though I know it would be beneficial. I have a rubber mat and a carpeted VW cargo mat (from my TDI sportwagen!) in the back to help insulate stuff.

[@cjpappas7726]

And to answer the Porta Potty question that was just pure coincidence. It's a park near my house that worked out well for filming. If you watch the Frazer video that came out a few weeks ago it too blends in with the porta Potty. Lol

[@davinp]

Wow doos on the drivers side. Most vans and minivans did not have doors on the driver's side. Minivans didn't have a driving sliding door until Chrysler introduced the new minivans in 1996

[@PennsyPappas]

volkswagen and chevy were the only two that offered this in the 60s with their vans. my guess given low numbers it wasnt popular so it went away until the 90s when it became a standard feature. as i recall people didnt want their kids getting off in the street so they funneled them through one door on curbside. which probably didnt work so well in other countries my guess

[@ACF6180T]

@@PennsyPappas The Chevrolet Suburban didn't get driver side passenger doors till 1973, & they were building those since 1937, & you are correct it was so passengers could only get out on the curbside only. Allot of the Suburbans were used as school busses in rural areas; As well for Hotels.

[@PennsyPappas]

@@ACF6180T Yeah suburban been around a long time though I thought in it's original configuration it had rear drivers doors. Maybe that's the mandella affect.

[@melvinburwell8202]

Really cool. Vintage party van. Nothing like it today for sure. Beautiful condition. 🤎🖤💙❤️😛😎

We used to bolt Corvair motors into VW beetles and the basically turned into Subaru wrx rally cars😊

[@TheGuyMullins]

Young people call normal stuff "WEIRD." SON, you are driving a nearly 64-year-old classic, whereas there are no classics being made anymore, not in YOUR lifetime. I enjoy your videos...

[@GeeEm1313]

Ok, boomer

[@RustyZipper]

My 2012 Chevy Spark will still be on the road in 2062!

[@jv6miata]

Old people stuff call antiqued items normal

[@karoltakisobie6638]

​@@RustyZipper Not if your government takes it off the road.

[@scott8919]

Every generation thinks theirs was the best because they lived it. The next generation is going to have their own classics and the generation after that. You're yelling at clouds.

[@DJBiv788]

04:44 there were actually cup holders behind the glove box, which GM was known for, but can’t be used while on the move-and they still wouldn’t be able to hold the BFB obviously.

[@larryk731]

A 1961 van has doors on both sides but early minivans didn't? I wonder about the structural rigidity of the vehicle.

[@jacehackworth6413]

It would be an unrecognizable blue slab going up against a modern crossover.

[@Black-Villain]

Crash safety wasn't really a thing in this era, and even then they were pretty lax for a while. The Nissan Stanza minivan/wagon had sliding doors and no B Pillar. The reason that a lot of minivans only had a sliding door on one side was to help with crash safety, with an added benefit being that your kids can only get out on the right side where a sidewalk would be, not into traffic. The same reason the Hyundai Veloster only had a door on that one side

[@ACF6180T]

These were heavy gauge steel thru out compared to what they put in the mini vans of today, Also they had a 3/4 ton load capacity.

[@arthurcrunden6107]

I was conceived in one of these in 1964

[@davidpancerev9658]

Are you sure?

[@arthurcrunden6107]

@@davidpancerev9658 Yes

[@DJBiv788]

I drove a Mitsubishi micro truck that had the gear selector coming out the seat wall. It’s interesting to push down into 1st and 3rd. But you eventually get used to it.p Also, I think I’d love this, simply because I drive buses where the steer axle is also behind me.

[@markhealey9409]

Wow! That is so cool! 😍😍😳😳

[@raffaelenegroni5888]

Great review

[@niveketihw1897]

That steering wheel looks inspired by H.R. Giger. Or maybe Hellraiser or an early Tool music video.

[@tedecker3792]

My scoutmaster had one with an automatic transmission, we had to all hop out and push on steep hills.

[@leeduncan3000]

I think of it as the American Micro Bus or Vanagon

[@PennsyPappas]

thats basically what it is essentialy

[@ACF6180T]

Closer to a Vanagon, & some people covert the Vanagon A/C duct work to the Greenbrier when installing A/C on a Greenbrier.

[@bearrorist5658]

commenting for engagement metrics 👍

[@robertvance1873]

Cool and Quirky 😅

[@andysaunders3708]

Shake hands with danger... Wait for a corner!

[@darthdarthbinkss]

I have a feeling this van would not be ideal in hot states like Florida, Texas, Arizona, etc. I wonder if these air-cooled vehicles would blow head gaskets quite easily on hot summer days. Besides that, I love this van.

[@DejaView]

I think the engine itself had no problem coping with the heat. One of the bigger problems, I believe, was adding air conditioning, which more people were expecting in those hot regions.

[@zaidkidwai7831]

This thing is awesome

[@christophersmith1155]

wow . i remember this.

[@Dankcatvacs]

wrong zack that engine is something very special

[@andysaunders3708]

We had a '72 Greenbriar. It was like a Malibu wagon. 350 smog engine. Boring. Got my license in it. 165 horsepower. Yawn...

[@bdh70]

When I was a kid there was an old man down the street who had a Greenbrier wagon.. So unmemorable I can't remember what color it was. He was one of the most boring men I've met.

[@jonbutzfiscina1307]

Rear wheel drive. Sooo, what is the problem?

[@sergioislas9446]

I own and drive a Hyundai i10 (not sold in the us, but think of it as a direct competitor to the Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback) with 80 horsepower. If my car feels anemic when fully loaded (5 passengers and a full trunk), I cannot imagine how agonizing would it be to drive a loaded Greenbrier down an American freeway, yikes!

[@jamesengland7461]

And this was gross horsepower, so more like 65-70 net. Abysmally slow.

[@ACF6180T]

In 1964 they up the displacement to 164 C.I. ( 2.7 ) base H.P. was 95 H.P. with a 110 H.P. engine optional. Also 1965 was the last year of production. I own a 64 with a 110 engine, & driving on the interstates at 65 to 70 mph is a breeze.

[@James-mw6se]

😊 I really enjoyed watching 😊

[@ArcDragoon]

Volkswagon just did a modernization of their bus style van, but as an EV. Chevy could do the same with the Corvair.

[@dave11686]

So cool

[@davidkoehler136]

My dads was green and it was cold in the winter

[@michaelcoffey7362]

Nice 😊

[@narniebone1332]

That’s cool

[@TheFalseProdigy]

Is this the most doors in a car that you’ve ever driven Zach?

[@cjpappas7726]

Zack was pretty certain that this was the most doors on a Shooting Cars reviewed vehicle.

[@American_Voyager101]

it looks alot like vanzilla in the cartoon the loud house

[@michaelhoskins832]

A blue Corvair Greenbriar? This just doesn't make sense...

[@mustasheolll2020]

That thing looks really funny 😂

[@dancingtrout6719]

He Never Mentioned The Vehicles Name''' Green something

[@squidiskool]

4:52 4:52 4:52 4:52 boo-boo boo-boo 4:52 4:52 4:52 4:52 4:52 4:52

[@gopherasoda2492]

This van looks increadibly Soviet; like if you removed the Chevy badging and it would be practically indistinguishable from a GAZ

[@marvinmartin4692]

Your speedometer cable is dry! Need’s serious lubricant! Or possibly a new one!

[@cjpappas7726]

It has been lubricated since this video was taken. Amazing what a little bit of cable lube will do. The needle doesn't bounce at all anymore. I was impressed!

[@TurboMan942]

I take fart pills.

[@sneff1052]

no way

[@glanzera]

'Luxury' cars from this era always seem shockingly primative. Then you see what basic transportation looked like 😅. Super cool van though.

[@PennsyPappas]

this wasnt a luxury car for sure and our grandpa ordered bare bones minimum except for the 3rd row seat, 4 speed manual transmission, two tone paint, and the extra rear doors. beyond that he went cheap it was a lot of money for him and worth more than his whole fleet at the time

[@mybachhertzbaud3074]

They should have put headlughts on the back so no one could tell whether you were coming or going?😜

[@doc2517]

Pills to fart less???

[@GeeEm1313]

Very comfortable seat? The back is only 16" high. Your upper back will be crying at the end of a trip.

[@PennsyPappas]

it is actually pretty comfortable and not as bad as it looks. i know ive ridden in all those seats now

[@BrokenAdam770]

04:45 BIG FRIGGIN BOTTLE FAIL!!!

[@ACF6180T]

You missed allot on this review.

[@jamesengland7461]

He showed a lot

[@ACF6180T]

@@jamesengland7461 I own a 64 Greenbrier, & that's why I made the comment. I guess if you never seen one that would be your view.

[@PennsyPappas]

I mean considering his reviews are usually short and to the point some things will be missed. Obviously from your reply to the other guy I see you own a Greenbrier as well. If you have any other questions on this particular one I can probably answer them I'm the brother of the owner.

[@ACF6180T]

@@PennsyPappas No I do not have any questions on your Greenbrier, & I'm not knit picking either; The review was missing allot of unique features of the Greenbrier in general, & there was no need to bring up Ralphy or his book which was all disproved, But I digress.

[@JoshBeFreeTV]

I have never in my life seen one of these, but I am glad I have now 😳

[@eddiefalcon8316]

Same here. Never even heard of this. Also love the aftermarket 8 track. Never heard of one of those either. Glad this is still running.

[@PennsyPappas]

its a pretty rare van and even more so given its an 8 door model vs the more common 6 door variant.

[@ACF6180T]

I own a 64 Greenbrier, & you get allot of what the hell is it looks going down the hwy.. & is a real draw at cruz ins.

[@PennsyPappas]

@@ACF6180T At many a car shows I'm telling the history of the car back to back to back we have so many people interested. It's nice having something super unique to show off.

[@KareemRashwan]

Someone call @MattsOffRoadRecovery