Corvair History 101: The Ultra Van
Here's a totally different flavor of Corvair that wasn't mentioned in our recent Reader Ride feature. The Ultra Van is a true Corvair, according to the Corvair Society of America (CORSA), even though it didn't roll off a GM assembly line. The Ultra Van is more akin to a cabin cruiser on the inside and a DC-10 in construction, with a happy-looking front-end, to boot. In case the picture has somehow left you scratching your head,UltraVan really is is a motorhome.
Power comes from a Corvair drivertrain and the structure is made from aluminum ribs with an aluminum outer skin, creating a rigid tube. The interior looks an awful lot like something you'd see in a Chris Craft of the same era. Without a frame underneath to get in the way, there's a ton of space in these things! The similarity to aircraft construction is no accident. UltraVan designer David Peterson was an aircraft designer frustrated that he had both a camping trailer and boat that he wanted to use during the same trip. In essence, the UltraVan grew out of the idea of just putting a drivetrain into a trailer. The Corvair had just debuted at the time, offering the perfect power unit for this application. The vehicles ended up being light enough to use regular car tires and return respectable fuel economy despite their large size (efficiency always makes you feel smarter than the next guy). We can't get over how roomy the UltraVan is, nor how lovingly the legacy has been cared for by legions of admirers.
Of course, we want one.
[Source: The UltraVan page via Hemmings Auto Blogs]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
catmodelt 7:37PM (4/04/2009)
In reference to the Corvair UltraVans. Yes, we saw our first, and possibly only, Ultra in early 1970's. We dreamed of owning one for nearly 40 years! Since that time, we have owned at least one of every type camping rig built except a pickup camper mount. After retiring to Florida, we forgot about those funny lookin things. Then, while parked in our local Chiefland, Fl. Wal*Mart, one parked about 50 feet in front of us. A surprising turn of events followed. No, we didn't buy that one. #424 wasn't for sale at any price.We were told they were rare and we wouldn't find one on this Coast. Within days, we discovered UltraVan #481 only 7 1/2 miles from home. Altho it was passed to the original South Florida owner's son then a friend of ours, it was never used in many years. It is not perfect, yet very original. We stretch the truth saying we are the second owners since no one else has licensed it! Actually, we haven't either, as yet. Our son is installing a new torque converter seal and tuning it up. Hopefully Wally, as we call him, will be roadworthy by Summer of 2009! Most Ultras seem to have a name. We couldn't think of anything fitting. It is easy to figure why we named him Wally!
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Barney 8:54PM (12/09/2006)
Probably a bit under-powered but hey, your on holidays and in no rush. The drive train would allow a low profile and parts would be available at your local dealer. Great idea!
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Sasha 8:55PM (12/09/2006)
The web site says somewhere that this is the best vehicle ever.
I wholeheartedly agree.
When was it that Americans forgot the original appeal of having a car, which was the freedom to see this whole beatiful country, and got totally caught up in passing styles and pointless horsepower? This car represents much fun and many beautiful sunsets, and is affordable to the average working family. What does the average car in dealer lot represent, other than A) a reliable way to get to work B) something to try to impress others or C) Something that's so damned luxurious that you miss the scenery for the car you're in.
As a side note, my roommates and i used to own a $500 C-class RV a while back in Seattle..it was great fun, we would go pick up 20 people and have rolling parties like every other night :P Never had so much fun in any sort of vehicle in my whole life!
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Tiago do Vale 6:18AM (12/10/2006)
2# :) That's quite a romantic view of the car! We have to agree with you: that's a beautifull way to live the road.
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Mal Fuller 4:20PM (12/10/2006)
"....... even though it didn't roll off a GM assembly line."
Most of them didn't, but rather went down the road a short distance before they rolled. RIP, Ernie Kovacs!
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Wilson Wright 9:10PM (12/10/2006)
Will this sucker float...and does it have an practical marine use ie. Like an Amphi-Car ?
Wilson Wright
Tallahassee, Fl
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What do I know? 7:48AM (12/12/2006)
I can't wait to see what Brabus can do to it.
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Dan Kling 1:40PM (12/26/2006)
A true class A motorhome with propane stove/oven, heater, 3 way refrigerator, wet bath, sleeps 4. Power to weight ratio allows them to hold their own along side more conventional motorhomes and get good gas mileage to boot. Curb weight empty is 3,000-4,000 lbs. Compare that to the weight of your average 24 foot motorhome (15,000+ LB) or even a Corvair Greenbrier van (3,100 lb) and you get the picture. Ultra-low center of gravity makes handling good, just watch it when you're flicking your cigar ash and they handle just fine..... :)
Yes, we own one!
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Ed Lindsay 7:16PM (11/28/2007)
That is my Ultra Van in the photo.
Ed
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