Whatever floats your boat
I love Corvairs. They were Chevy’s answer to the VW Bug when introduced in 1960. But they didn’t just make a car, they had a whole line of vehicles, including vans and pickups like the Rampside in this week’s spot. No, wait, it was not like the other Rampsides at all. Sure, it kind of looked like them, but this one could, like the Amphicar, become a boat. This is NOT an April Fool’s Joke!
This is a one and done prototype, the Corphibian. Even though it’s a Chevy, it was created by a couple of Pontiac engineers who formed an outside company to build their prototype as it was not an official Chevrolet project. The thought behind it being a vehicle you could go camping with, along with cruising on a nearby lake. Heck, if the Germans could do it with their Amphicar, why couldn’t the Americans with the Corphibian.
RELATED Spot: A Corvair Greenbrier.
It is based on the Loadside Pickup modified with an extended bed and full fiberglass hull. The concept would allow users the opportunity to enjoy both terrestrial and aquatic travel, similar to the Amphicar Model 770 launched the same year. Most marine controls are located in the bed: Drive engagement, forward/reverse, and steering, while the throttle can be controlled from the cab or bed. Unlike the Amphicar, however, only one Corphibian was made. Hulten-Holm Co. hoped Chevrolet would purchase the design and put it into production, but this never happened.
RELATED Spot: A priceless Corvair.
Now living at the Lane Motor Museum in Nashville, TN, which I visited last Fall, it retains its original air-cooled engine, automatic transmission, and two propellers after many years in storage; it’s been refreshed in the correct red-and-white livery. What is it worth? I did find it scheduled to go up for auction in 2016 at a Mecum event and projected to sell for between $75,000 and $100,000, but never found results. Good luck getting it from the Lane.
Thanks for stopping by and reading about my latest spot. Come back Next Sunday for another one of my finds, along with some of its history. Have a great rest of your weekend and a good week.
Savage On Wheels 
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