No Reserve Project 1963 Corvair Greenbriar Van

As the desirability and prices of a Volkswagen Type 2 continue to escalate, I'd like to remind everyone there's an equally cool if not cooler alternative that is way less expensive and 100% American: the Corvair Van.

In anticipation of the threat of rear engine dominance coming from Volkswagen, General Motors launched the Corvair name in 1959. Within a couple years was available in almost every body imaginable - coupe, convertible, sedan, wagon, pickup and van. The lineup lasted until 1969, and while not a disaster, was never followed up and remains to this day America's only rear engine production car. Fortunately for fans today the Corvair offers the uniqueness of rear engine setup at still affordable prices.

The van itself lasted from 1961-1965 and was available with either 6 or 8 doors. Unlike rear engine Volkswagens, all Corvairs had with 6-cylinder engines. The cabin-forward design put the driver over the front wheels, and the engine was way in back behind the rear wheels underneath a slightly raised bed floor.

This particular example is a '63 window van the seller bought off ebay from Arizona, then shipped it to Wisconsin. They intended to fix it up but alas never had the chance (how many times does that happen?) and are now offering it for sale with no reserve. COTC loves window vans for their airy outward appearance and passenger-friendliness from the inside.

The biggest issue on a van this old is rust, and while the seller says the floors are ok, they do mention some small holes in the doors.

Mechanically, they say the original 80 horsepower engine starts but putters. The a/c isn't operational and the engine is running off a gas can because the tank gas sat too long. That means this is going to need a bunch of engine work and new fuel lines and gas tank.

Cosmetically it looks rough, although I like the worn white and green paint and would personally be ok with it, older vans sometimes look better beat up than too clean and polished. This could look really cool in the right setting. Glass is an often neglected concern and this one is missing a few but the seller says they have replacements.

This is obviously going to cost money to fix, but could be reasonable done if you're doing the fixing.

Available here on ebay.

Get In And Go: 1963 Porsche 356 B Super

The seller says this little old Porsche is in driving condition.

The 356 really needs no introduction - it was the first production Porsche, and a beloved classic car today. It's one of the few cars that inspires both a cult following and mainstream appreciation.

This is a '63 B Super version. The "B" cars were made from 1959 to 1956. "Super" was a mid-level trim. B cars benefit from a new front end nose that curves into a perfectly rounded edge - almost like the tip of an M&M candy. The headlights were higher however. They also have slightly larger bumpers, revised front seats, and folding rear seats.

The engine was a pushrod 1.6-litre dual carb 4-cylinder that produced between 60-90 horsepower.

The seller says this car has an older repaint that could benefit from a whole new coat. They also say there is some rust in the doors.

However, they say the car is otherwise original, including the glass and interior. They do mention the seats have been recovered, and the buttery tan color looks nicely broken in.

Mechanically, they say it runs like a champ, having done an oil change, tuneup and brakes rebuilt.

These in-between 356 cars are getting harder and harder to find. Most up for grabs nowadays are either derelict rust buckets or Concours-grade show pieces. It's refreshing to see a used example that the new owner will have several options with: give it that new shiny paint job, hide it in a garage, or just jump in and drive away.

Find it here in Hollywood Hills, California with an asking price of $31,000.