Captain’s Chairs: Clean 1989 GMC Vandura

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All too often, Chevy’s classic G20 van is a fairly tired specimen by now. Used by plumbers, contractors and anyone else with a wrench, they are rarely set aside as weekend tourers. Well, it appears this 1989 GMC Vandura – already an anomlay because it isn’t a Chevy-branded product – bucks that trend and has been preserved as a quasi-camping rig. Find it here on eBay with a Buy-It-Now of $3,950 and the reserve unmet. 

In that first photo, we dig the subtle front air dam that gives this van some mildly sporting looks, but the ladder out back and louvers on the rear windows are also totally fitting with the vanning scene. It’s amazing to think this could otherwise have been turned into a work rig, but with a few styling tweaks and interior seating options chosen, it becomes a perfect track-side accessory for a weekend at Lime Rock or Sebring.

The interior is far nicer than you’d expect, with clean cloth bucket seats and an uncracked dash. The generous center console looks perfect for holding a pair of Slurpees, and mileage is said to be original at 78K. The crimson dash and carpeting may not to be everyone’s liking, but at least it’s clean. It’s also nice to see given how the engine is accessed that there’s no sign spilled fluids on those gorgeous rugs.

Out back, this conversion van is ready for fitting out however you want. We dig the captains chairs and huge side window, but this Vandura needs some hardwood floors, a sink and cooking area and a convertible couch immediately. The stereo doesn’t work so that will need sorting, along with front and rear A/C that doesn’t blow cold. Minor quibbles, really, when you consider how hard it is to find one of these this nice. Van on!

Auctions Ending Soon

Comments

  1. Curtis

    Great vehicle for that overnight at a race, outdoor concert etc. This would be fun to play with add a solid 350 and good to go.

    Like 1
  2. angliagt

    If it’s as good as it looks,it won’t be for sale for long.
    I think these older vans,in good shape,will soon be going up in
    value,as most were actually bought to be used.

    Like 0
  3. Steve

    This thing looks clean for Texas, much less for Connecticut!

    Like 0
  4. Charlie

    This is a nice used van. What makes this a barn find? It’s too new to be a survivor.

    Like 0
    • Jesse Mortensen Jesse MortensenStaff

      It’s 28 years old Charlie. I know it’s hard to believe that a car built in the late eighties could qualify for classic plates, but time keeps right on ticking. Think about this. In 1984 the Mustang was only 20 years old!

      Like 1
  5. Steve M

    kinda cool in my book

    Like 0
  6. Paul

    Hell yeah! Plush carpet, cushy seats, wood trim, window shades! Conversion vans were the best!

    Like 1
  7. SanityFactor

    Iirc to remove the doghouse u need to pull a front seat to get it out of the vehicle….never made sense to me since you cant access anything from the front….

    Like 0
    • boxdin

      You can access most stuff from the back. I like working on full size vans more than pickups. With my ramcharger I had to put a board from fender to fender over the engine so I could put my chest on the board etc. Vans are not like that at all.

      Like 0
  8. Milt

    If this transport vehicle is swaying in an oscillating manner, please do not announce your presence to the occupants inside by striking your knuckle upon this door.

    Like 1
    • Rod444

      heh, heh… was a reason momma didn’t like the shaggin’ wagon.

      Like 0
  9. gregwnc

    My brother owned a GMC Rally TAX. They were great comfortable vans!

    Like 1
  10. Chebby

    Kinda strange that it has a conversion van interior and a cargo van exterior. Price is certainly reasonable though.

    Like 0
    • Pookie Jamie P

      It may look like a cargo van, but is a sleeper in many ways. Ordinary outside, kinda luxurious on the inside.

      Like 0
  11. newfieldscarnut

    This 28 year old is in amazing condition . Someone will be getting a real bargain .

    Like 1
  12. olerascal

    Refreshing to see simple conversion van in remarkable condition & priced right.

    Like 1
  13. ACZ

    All conversion vans started life pretty bare. My 93 Chevy was that way and is much different now. Just as clean as this one. Great highway vehicle with a good stereo, TV, DVD, and other toys. Traveling in style.

    Like 1
  14. gaspumpchas.

    Nice – these were great trucks….good luck to the new owner–better than a new one!

    Like 0
  15. Rex Kahrs Rex Kahrs

    Hey Milt,

    Fuel, herbal intoxicants, or promiscuous behavior…nobody receives transportation gratis.

    Like 1
  16. chad

    “Kinda strange that it has a conversion van interior and a cargo van exterior.”

    I called mine a sleeper (in more ways than one). U can go incognito that way. (Could even paint a fictitious plumber co name on the sides! But that wuz da ’60s.
    8^0

    Like 0
  17. whmracer99

    Just a couple of things on this that make me wonder. First, why is the chassis all light colored (looks like recent overall respray and the chassis is covered with primer overspray?) and why is there angle-iron reinforcements welded to the rear spring hangers? Just enough to make me wonder about what this looks like under the paint.

    Like 0

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