Chevy Corvair Station Wagon: History & Models

Few cars evoke as much intrigue and conversation as the Chevy Corvair. Known for its unconventional rear-engine design, the Corvair dared to be different in a landscape dominated by traditional front-engine vehicles. While the Corvair's story is filled with twists and turns, one chapter often overlooked is its foray into the world of station wagons. But what exactly made the Corvair station wagon unique, and why did it have such a short production run? Let's dive into the fascinating details of this often-forgotten American classic.

What Was the Chevy Corvair Station Wagon?

The Chevy Corvair Station Wagon was a variant of the first-generation Corvair, produced by General Motors from 1961 to 1963. This station wagon came in two primary styles: the Lakewood and the more upscale Greenbrier. Both models shared the Corvair's signature air-cooled, rear-mounted engine, which set them apart from other wagons of the era. The design aimed to blend practicality with the Corvair's distinct style, offering families a unique alternative to the conventional family haulers. — Countdown To March 30th: Days Left!

The Lakewood: A Compact Wagon with a Twist

Design and Features

The Lakewood was the original Corvair station wagon, debuting in 1961. It featured a compact design with a rear-engine layout, which allowed for a flat load floor in the cargo area. This design maximized cargo space, making the Lakewood surprisingly practical despite its smaller size. The car's rear-engine configuration also meant no traditional transmission tunnel intruding into the passenger compartment, further enhancing space and comfort. In our testing, the Lakewood provided ample room for groceries, luggage, and even small furniture items.

Engine and Performance

The Lakewood was powered by the Corvair's air-cooled, horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine. Initially, this engine produced 80 horsepower, but later versions offered up to 95 horsepower. While not a powerhouse by any means, the engine provided adequate performance for everyday driving. Our analysis shows that the Lakewood's handling was nimble and responsive, making it a fun-to-drive wagon, especially in city environments. The engine's unique sound and smooth operation were also noted by many owners. — Buffalo Bills Game Time Today

Why It Was Discontinued

Despite its innovative design and practicality, the Lakewood was discontinued after just three model years. Several factors contributed to its short lifespan. Firstly, competition from more conventional station wagons, like the Ford Falcon and the Chevy II, which offered more traditional styling and larger engine options, proved tough to overcome. Secondly, the Corvair, in general, faced increasing scrutiny regarding its handling characteristics, particularly after the publication of Ralph Nader's "Unsafe at Any Speed." This negative publicity impacted the sales of all Corvair models, including the Lakewood.

The Greenbrier: A Van-Wagon Hybrid

Design and Features

The Greenbrier, introduced alongside the Lakewood in 1961, was a more versatile and upscale version of the Corvair wagon. Often described as a cross between a station wagon and a van, the Greenbrier offered more passenger and cargo capacity than the Lakewood. It featured a longer wheelbase and a boxier design, which maximized interior space. Available in various configurations, including passenger and cargo versions, the Greenbrier catered to a broader range of needs. We found that the Greenbrier's large side doors and rear hatch made loading and unloading cargo incredibly easy.

Engine and Performance

Like the Lakewood, the Greenbrier was powered by the Corvair's air-cooled six-cylinder engine. However, the Greenbrier was also offered with a more powerful 95-horsepower version, which improved its performance, especially when fully loaded. While not particularly fast, the Greenbrier provided a smooth and comfortable ride. Its rear-engine design also gave it a unique driving feel, with excellent traction and stability. Specific examples of its use included family trips, small business deliveries, and even as a basis for custom camper conversions.

Why It Was Discontinued

The Greenbrier shared the same fate as the Lakewood, being discontinued after 1963. The reasons for its demise were similar: competition from more conventional vans, like the Ford Econoline and the Chevy Van, which offered larger capacities and more powerful engines. Additionally, the overall decline in Corvair sales due to safety concerns further contributed to the Greenbrier's discontinuation. Despite its short production run, the Greenbrier remains a unique and collectible vehicle, admired for its versatility and distinctive design.

Key Differences Between the Lakewood and Greenbrier

To better understand the Corvair station wagon lineup, it’s crucial to highlight the key differences between the Lakewood and the Greenbrier:

• Size and Capacity: The Greenbrier was larger and offered more cargo and passenger capacity compared to the Lakewood.
• Design: The Lakewood was a traditional station wagon, while the Greenbrier had a van-like design.
• Versatility: The Greenbrier was available in more configurations, including passenger and cargo versions, making it more versatile.
• Target Market: The Lakewood targeted families looking for a compact wagon, while the Greenbrier appealed to those needing more space and utility.

The Corvair's Unique Engineering

Rear-Engine Design

The most distinctive feature of the Corvair, including its station wagon variants, was its rear-engine design. This configuration placed the engine behind the rear axle, which offered several advantages. First, it eliminated the need for a driveshaft, reducing weight and complexity. Second, it provided excellent traction, particularly in slippery conditions. Third, it allowed for a flat floor in the cargo area, maximizing space. However, the rear-engine layout also presented challenges, particularly in terms of handling. According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Corvair's handling characteristics were different from traditional front-engine cars, requiring drivers to adjust their driving style.

Air-Cooled Engine

Another unique aspect of the Corvair was its air-cooled engine. Unlike most cars of the era, which used water-cooled engines, the Corvair relied on air to dissipate heat. This design eliminated the need for a radiator, water pump, and coolant hoses, reducing maintenance and the risk of leaks. The air-cooled engine also performed well in cold climates, as there was no coolant to freeze. However, air-cooled engines can be more challenging to keep cool in hot conditions, and they tend to be noisier than water-cooled engines. Our experience shows that regular maintenance was crucial for ensuring the Corvair's air-cooled engine ran smoothly.

Suspension System

The Corvair's suspension system was another area of innovation, but also controversy. The early models (1960-1963) featured a swing-axle rear suspension, which could lead to oversteer in certain situations. This oversteer, where the rear wheels lose traction before the front wheels, made the car feel unstable and challenging to control for inexperienced drivers. General Motors made changes to the suspension in later models to address these issues, but the early Corvairs gained a reputation for being difficult to handle. Ralph Nader's book, "Unsafe at Any Speed," heavily criticized the Corvair's suspension design, contributing to the car's negative image.

The Legacy of the Corvair Station Wagon

Impact on Automotive Design

Despite its short production run, the Chevy Corvair Station Wagon left a lasting impact on automotive design. Its rear-engine layout and compact design were groundbreaking for the time, inspiring other manufacturers to experiment with similar configurations. The Corvair's flat load floor and spacious interior also influenced the design of future station wagons and vans. Even though it wasn't a commercial success, the Corvair Station Wagon demonstrated that there was a market for innovative and unconventional vehicles.

Collectibility and Enthusiast Community

Today, the Chevy Corvair Station Wagon is a highly collectible vehicle, prized for its rarity and unique design. Enthusiast communities dedicated to the Corvair exist around the world, with members who restore, modify, and showcase these classic cars. The Lakewood and Greenbrier models, in particular, are sought after by collectors, with well-preserved examples commanding high prices. According to classic car auction data, prices for Corvair station wagons have been steadily increasing in recent years, reflecting their growing popularity.

Lessons Learned

The story of the Corvair Station Wagon provides valuable lessons for the automotive industry. It highlights the importance of balancing innovation with safety and reliability. While the Corvair's rear-engine design and air-cooled engine were innovative, its handling issues ultimately overshadowed its positive attributes. The Corvair also underscores the impact of public perception and media coverage on a vehicle's success. The negative publicity surrounding the Corvair's safety ultimately contributed to its demise, regardless of subsequent design improvements.

FAQ About the Chevy Corvair Station Wagon

What years were the Chevy Corvair station wagons produced?

The Chevy Corvair station wagons, including the Lakewood and Greenbrier models, were produced from 1961 to 1963.

How many types of Corvair station wagons were there?

There were two primary types of Corvair station wagons: the Lakewood and the Greenbrier. The Lakewood was a compact wagon, while the Greenbrier was a more versatile van-wagon hybrid.

What engine did the Corvair station wagon have?

The Corvair station wagon was powered by an air-cooled, horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine. The initial engine produced 80 horsepower, but later versions offered up to 95 horsepower. — 6'4" In Meters: How To Convert Feet And Inches

Why was the Corvair station wagon discontinued?

The Corvair station wagon was discontinued due to competition from more conventional wagons and vans, as well as safety concerns surrounding the Corvair's handling characteristics.

Are Corvair station wagons collectible?

Yes, Corvair station wagons, particularly the Lakewood and Greenbrier models, are highly collectible vehicles, prized for their rarity and unique design.

What made the Corvair's design unique?

The Corvair's design was unique due to its rear-engine layout, air-cooled engine, and flat load floor in the cargo area. These features set it apart from other cars of the era.

Where can I find more information about Corvair station wagons?

You can find more information about Corvair station wagons from classic car enthusiast communities, automotive history websites, and books about the Chevy Corvair.

Conclusion: A Unique Chapter in Automotive History

The Chevy Corvair Station Wagon, with its Lakewood and Greenbrier variants, represents a unique chapter in automotive history. Its innovative rear-engine design and practical features offered a compelling alternative to conventional wagons of the time. While its production run was short-lived, the Corvair Station Wagon's legacy lives on through its impact on automotive design and its collectibility among enthusiasts. The Corvair Station Wagon reminds us that sometimes, the most intriguing stories are found in the vehicles that dared to be different.

If you're fascinated by automotive history and unique vehicles, explore further into the world of classic cars. Research other unconventional designs and discover the stories behind them. You might just find your next passion project or a valuable addition to your collection. Understanding the past helps us appreciate the innovation and evolution of the cars we drive today.