There’s nothing quite like an old “shorty” van, is there? And this 1976 Chevrolet G20 checks every box in terms of the “must-have” features for a vintage van like this, from the flame paint job to the shag carpeting inside. The amazing thing about these vans is the staying power they have: despite representing a style and culture that began in the 1960s, these vans have stuck around and are still relevant today among van fans everywhere. This G20 does run and drive but needs some fine-tuning; find it here on eBay where bidding is at $4,500 with no reserve.

This G20 is definitely ripe for a sympathetic restoration, one that preserves its authentic, in-period modifications while making it feel brand-new inside. Personally, I’d ditch the wheels as well since they appear to be quite a bit newer than the Chevy itself; surely, there are some period-correct options out there that would also add some lower offset to the stance. Throw on some fender flares and the big chin spoiler with a set of deep-dish wheels and watch the compliments fly. Maybe even some side pipes to complete the look. Still, I wouldn’t touch that flame mural on the sides unless it’s absolutely trashed up close.

I love the interiors of trucks like these. They tell you so much about the period in which they were conceived, as in this case, the fake brickwork and wooden columns indicate someone wanted to feel like the back of the van looked like the front porch of an old manor house, or perhaps the parlor of a 1950s piece of suburban architecture. Can you just imagine taking your date to the back of this G20 and asking her if she wanted to lay down on your shag carpeting and look up at the porthole windows while taking in the majestic beauty of the columns? It’s all a little too much, but that’s also why it’s so awesome.

The driver’s compartment is tidy enough, with mismatched bucket seats and a tunnel cover that doesn’t coordinate, either. Of course, despite their lofty ambitions, not all of these 70s wagons were built to show car standards. Oftentimes, like a Kelmark GT or any other kit car, the builder worked on their four-wheeled masterpiece at night and on weekends, foraging for cheap supplies and home-friendly decor at the local hardware store. The end results may have been wild, but they weren’t always high quality. Still, with a V8, straight pipes, and a mini-fridge like this G20 has, there’s more than enough to work with to take this period-correct van to the next level.