Vert-A-Pack

When Chevrolet was faced with a financial challenge they got, well, creative. During the 1970s the Vega was released as an affordable automobile. The goal was to keep the cost below $2000. Standing cars on their noses to transport them across the nation saved them space, allowing them to get more Vegas in one single train ride. It was called the Vert-A-Pack, a cooperative design by GM and the Southern Pacific Railroad. Now instead of holding the typical 18 cars horizontally, they could fit 30 cars vertically. The real interesting factor is the adjustments they made on these models under the hood, so they could stand to stand without spilling fluids all over the tracks. They had a special engine oil baffle; batteries had high filter caps to keep acid from leaking; the carburetor had a special tube installed; the windshield washer fluid was placed at a 45 degree angle.