By the late 1950s, the physical size of the entry-level models
offered by the Big Three domestic auto manufacturers (General
Motors, Ford, and Chrysler) had grown considerably. Small imports
proved that there was a significant demand for small cars. During
1959 and 1960, the Big Three automakers planned to introduce their
own "compact" cars. Chevrolet designed a car that deviated from
traditional American norms of design and engineering - the Corvair,
powered by an air-cooled, horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine.
It was mounted in the rear driving the rear wheels through a
compact transaxle. The suspension was independent on all four
wheels. No tail-fins or chrome grille! Motor Trend named the
Corvair as the 1960 "Car of the Year". In 1961, following the
success of the Corvair's introduction, GM, the master of line
extensions, brought out small truck size variations. They were the
Greenbrier van model, and two pickup trucks - the Loadside with its
standard tailgate, and the Rampside which featured both the
standard tailgate and a fold down ramp on the passenger side. It
had a 95-inch wheel base, larger than the passenger car. The
horizontally opposed Chevrolet Turbo-Air 6 engine was located under
a slightly raised cargo floor. At 2.4L it produced 80 HP and came
with a 3-speed manual transmission or the optional Corvair
Powerglide automatic. Eastern Shore Classic Cars is offering for
sale one of the rarest Corvairs, a 1961 Rampside Pickup truck. This
little gem has been cared for by the current owner since 2014. It
came from Texas where it went through a major cosmetic
refurbishment. The former owner repainted, replaced the interior,
addressed any needed body/metal work. The paint appearance is
excellent with no flaws or deterioration. The chrome is dazzling.
The interior still looks new. A new spray on bedliner gives it like
new appearance and great durability. The odometer, which reads
approximately 25,300, is believed to be accurate. Since purchasing
this Corvair the owner has added about 2,000 miles. The current
owner brought home a vehicle that was cosmetically in great shape,
but as with any vehicle of this age there are always repairs and
upgrades that are needed to bring them to fully reliable and safe
condition. He continues regular maintenance and has kept detailed
records of all of his improvements. Included are things as small as
a new headlamp dimmer switch and tailgate latch to more significant
items such as having the carburetors rebuilt, new fuel pump, new
battery, new wheels, new tires, new hub caps, windshield and radio.
The full list is impressive. A most significant upgrade involved
dropping the oil and transmission pans. The oil pan, gaskets, and
oil cooler seals were replaced. The transmission pan and seals were
replaced along with the throttle shaft seal and shaft cable seal.
RESULT - A CORVAIR THAT DOESN'T LEAK. AMAZING!!! This truck is
driven just for fun although perfectly capable of doing hard work.
It is completely drivable and reliable. It gets noticed and thumbs
up no matter where it goes. It has been shown locally with great
success. See the pictures of the full trophy shelf. The owner has
his sights trained on another Corvair, but needs a place to house
it. As such, sadly the Rampside has to go. It currently resides in
northwest Connecticut. It is highly recommended that the
prospective buyer or a trusted agent do an in-person inspection.
The terms of sale are cash in person or wire transfer. It is being
sold on a bill of sale. It is offered as is, where is with no
warranty offered or implied. Come drive this handsome Corvair
Rampside away for only $28,000. Please direct all inquiries or
questions to: Harvey Wooding Eastern Shore Classic Cars LLC
Telephone/Fax: 203-482-4014 Email:
[email protected]
