A Corvair-powered motor home might seem like a questionable idea to some, but not to aircraft designer Dave Peterson, the creator of the Ultra Van.

The inspiration for the Ultra Van came to David G. Peterson of Oakland, California in 1960 when he first saw the new Chevrolet Corvair. Impressed with the rear-engined compact’s engine and transmission package, the aircraft designer, builder, and outdoorsman saw an ideal powertrain for a comfortable but lightweight motor home. Taking advantage of aircraft-style, full-monocoque aluminum construction, the first prototype completed in 1961 was 24 feet in length but weighed barely 3,000 lbs, which gave the Corvair-powered rig a power-to-weight ratio comparable to much heavier motor homes and a quoted cruising speed of 60 mph.

Pleased with his result, which he initially called the Go-Home, Peterson took his novel concept into series production, and his Ultra Van Mfg. Co. and its successors eventually produced around 376 vehicles between 1961 and 1974. Some 320 units were powered by various Corvair engines with Powerglide transmissions, while most of the rest were powered by 307 CID Chevrolet V8s. More than 100 Ultra Vans are still in existence today and the lovable machines have a loyal cult following. For more info, visit the Ultra Van Motor Coach Club.