1963 Chevrolet Corvair Rampside

The Chevrolet Corvair 95 Rampside (Model 1254) was a unique, innovative, utilitarian, and stylish vehicle. Like other Corvairs, its horizontally-opposed six-cylinder engine was mounted in the rear. It was an air-cooled unit with a 145 cubic-inch displacement, offering 80 horsepower and 128 ft-lbs of torque. The engine was positioned over the rear axle and concealed under a raised floor. Between the wheelbase was a deep cargo area with a unique swing-down panel on the right side. When opened, the panel had a 22-degree inclination allowing for easy access to the mid-section. The ramp was capable of supporting up to 1,000 pounds. The passenger compartment was above the front axle.

The front suspension was initially based on full-size Chevrolet passenger vehicles but was later replaced by full-size pickup suspension components, including a heavy-duty version of the swing axle in the rear.

The Rampside had a 3/4-ton rating and was intended for local fleet delivery, motorhomes, and various commercial purposes. A total of 13,626 examples were produced in 1961, falling to 4,471 in 1962, 2,046 examples in 1963, and continued to decline until its final production year of 1964 with 851 units built. Along with the Rampside, Chevrolet had also offered the Loadside, but only the Rampside was produced after 1962.

The Corvair 95 trucks (named for its 95-inch wheelbase - the passenger cars rested on a 108-inch wheelbase) delivered more power than the Volkswagen pickups. Although unique and functional, the uneven cargo bed provided limitations. Buyers were reluctant to purchase this new design when pickup trucks offered the same functionality with its tried-and-true configuration.

by Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2021