Corvair Ultra Van

Oilbrnr wrote:
Back in the '80's when I was in high school/college, I was heavily into Corvairs. Had a '65 Corsa Turbo coupe that won several regional show competitions and one national convention for my class.

However, I came across one gentleman in Lake Montezuma, AZ (SE of Sedona) that had a nice '66 Corsa convertible that I was interested in buying, and he also had a nice Ultravan. Can't remember the year of it, but it was in very nice condition and he and his wife used it often. I know it had a PowerGlide transmission, and I'm pretty sure it had the 102hp engine in it, though it could have been a 110. None the less that was GROSS hp not SAE net! So we're talking mid 80's at best. Sea level.

While I didn't get to drive and/or ride in it, I can remember how amazed I was, and probably still am that it was enough to move that big eggshell on flat land, let alone going up a serious grade, say Phx to Flagstaff in the summer. Yet, they supposedly do pretty good! Just pushing that frontal area through the air... and with a 2-in-the-glue transmission! Bet there were a few GM engineers that got a chuckle out of those things.

None the less, I really don't remember too much about the interior, as both my Dad and I were more interested in the mechanical aspect of it, but it was nicely done. (we always had Airstreams when I was growing up)

Nice to see that they still have a loyal following.

Keep in mind that an Ultravan does not have a frame and wieghs much less than most RVs.

Also a Corvair-powered Ultra Vans has a power-to-weight ratio from 35 to 45 pounds per horsepower, comparing to current motorhome with ratios of up to 50 pounds and even much more.

Hey in the past 2 years I was gettign 15.6mpg with my RV - Ultravan #256. GGG