Somewhat similar to the Corvair Greenbriar van in being a forward control design, this 1969 Chevrolet Sportvan 90 doesn’t have a rear engine as the Corvair van did, it’s right between the front two seats. And in this case, it’s a 350 V8 squeezed into that doghouse! The seller has this very cool van posted here on craigslist in Gardena, California and they’re asking $16,500. Here is the original listing, and thanks to Tony P. for the tip!
The G10 or Chevrolet Van followed the Corvair Van and this is a second-generation model, made from 1967 through 1970. They were followed by a “normal” looking van-van, what most of us think of when we think of a van, as in not a cab-forward design like this one. I think a cargo van without rear-side windows would be a bit cooler but there’s nothing wrong with this example.
Well, there actually are a few areas of concern here, rust-wise. Some serious rust is shown by what I consider an honest seller, so kudos to them for not hiding anything. Some sellers may leave out such issues or poke around the edges while pretending to show everything. This is the shorty version of the Chevy Sportvan, what they called the Sportvan 90. They also offered a longer wheelbase Sportvan 108 with, of course, a 108-inch wheelbase. They were available in either 1/2-ton of 3/4-ton capacity as well.
That’s one cramped cab interior, wowie. Power steering wasn’t available on this generation of the Chevy van but I didn’t have power steering on my Dodge van and didn’t even know the difference. I’ve never owned a cab forward van but I know a few of you have, how was it to drive without power steering? There’s a lot of room behind the front seats and this one doesn’t have the rear seats that would have been optional in this van originally. The passenger seat was also an option, only the driver’s seat was standard.
A 350 V8 wasn’t available in this van but this example has one! It’s backed by a 700R4 four-speed automatic and with dual exhaust the engine sounds fantastic in the seller’s provided YouTube video. This van has front disc brakes, new light lenses, and a few new engine parts such as MSD HEI distributor and fuel pump. Have any of you owned a cab forward Chevy van? How would you use this one?
🎶 if the van is rockin’ don’t bother knockin’ 😲 🎵
Wow there are some of these left? Our family had a ’67 shorty in Turquoise with the white window surround, 283 w/ 3 on the tree & drum brakes all around. My dad put 6 ply tires on it (that rubbed a bit in full steering lock) because he used it a lot for construction. I held down the passenger seat plenty of times but it didn’t survive the salt long enough for me to drive it. The rear rusted at the floor line & my dad angle braced the rear door opening so the body flex wouldn’t allow the doors to open on their own when driving. I think the only mechanical in 150k miles was a starter.
Had the panel side style, 6cyl, 3sp, drove and steered like a dream!
Love to drive my 85 Chevy Beauville 3/4 ton (g20). Drives and rides like a late 60’s Caddy, but can carry alot more.
Nice van Doone. Love the heavy chasis Beauville. 😎 👍 🆒️
Back in the ’70s a high school friend of mine bought a Chevy which was formally a Sears repair van. It was a short wheelbase with a small 302 V8 and it had been customized with a graphic paint job, shag carpeting and wood paneling. You know the type. But it still remained an unstable vehicle. Luckily he was unhurt when he rolled it.
Cool picture! Here’s one I spotted on a tow truck in Eureka,CA
about seven years ago.
Ahhhh, Sears green! My ’74 Dodge van was a former Sears delivery van but I wish it had been in the same condition as the one in your photo.
Wow. Telephone conpanies AND Sears. That brings back a lot of memories.
No power steering was the norm back in the day of these vans. That’s why they had such a big steering wheel! Almost like driving a city bus…
Ohhh, the telephone company! Did you watch this dude’s youtube film about his telephone company van? You should! :-)
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1974-ford-ex-bell-system-1974-ford-econoline-e-200-display-van-project/
Regards, Jay
Right on Jay 👍
I never really cared for these vans but man do I want this one. It speaks to me. I remember early 1980s, gravel roads outside Tomahawk, WI, uncle’s van filling up with so much dust it looked like a Cheech and Chong movie. My wish list just got longer.
While a van with no side windows might look cool, Those windows make it a lot easier to see out when passing or merging.
Learned to drive on a 67 Sportvan. Same color combo as the one listed. 250 inline six with a 2-speed automatic. Four-wheel drum brakes, manual steering and no A/C. Drove it from S. Florida, as far west as Kansas and them back via Niagra Falls. It had a very small gas tank so frequent fuel stops were required.
I had a 69 without the extra windows, drove it from Los Angeles home to Maine. My brother was my co-pilot, had a great time. I did a valve job on the 6 cyl engine in an afternoon. Remember when you could buy a rebuilt head, antifreeze, gaskets etc for under $100
I bought a ’69 Chevy cargo van in Tacoma, WA for $600 way back in 1983 and drove it to Southern California. It was the long wheel base version – no side windows behind the seats. Climbing a hill in Oregon the top radiator hose began spewing hot water through the doghouse seal and right onto my leg. OW! Be warned – make sure that top radiator hose is in good condition! It had the original 305 CI V8 and 3 speed auto but it overheated one day in Southern Cal and cracked a water jacket. I swapped it out for a 307 and a couple years later we ended up in London, Kentucky where a rod bearing began knocking. I should have rebuilt it but, well, money, you know. I sold it for $100 to my girlfriend’s uncle and I bet it is still sitting out there in the field, sad to say. I’ve always wanted to get another one. They are a hoot to drive.
I also had a 67 Sears service van. No side windows, gray and blue paint job and when it was cleaned, you could still see the shiny bits where the Sears logo and service motto used to be before they were pealed off. The outside wasn’t much to look at, but the interior was red shag carpet with black padded Naugahyde side panels across the back. We added a couple of white bean bags and the party was on the road. It was the 70’s after all! I’m tempted to relive my youth in this one, but too many windows and a generous supply of old age and common sense will eliminate me from the buyer pool. But oh, the many memories! How many other vehicles can you troubleshoot carb issues while driving down the road?