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)
Barney @ Dec 9th 2006 8:54PM
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!
Sasha @ Dec 9th 2006 8:55PM
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!
Tiago do Vale @ Dec 10th 2006 6:18AM
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.
Mal Fuller @ Dec 10th 2006 4:20PM
"....... 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!
Wilson Wright @ Dec 10th 2006 9:10PM
Will this sucker float...and does it have an practical marine use ie. Like an Amphi-Car ?
Wilson Wright
Tallahassee, Fl
What do I know? @ Dec 12th 2006 7:48AM
I can't wait to see what Brabus can do to it.
Dan Kling @ Dec 26th 2006 1:40PM
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!
Ed Lindsay @ Nov 28th 2007 7:16PM
That is my Ultra Van in the photo.
Ed