Peace out man, it’s the ’70s and that means, among other things, it’s van time! All the rage in that now long ago decade, they’re still a fun and functional vehicle. Today’s review covers a 1979 Chevrolet G10 Sportvan and it’s a beauty, highly unlike many of the mystery machines that I recall from my partially misspent youth. This short-wheelbase Chevy is located in Lakewood, New York and can be found here on Barn Finds Classifieds for $29,500.

Chevrolet vans came in a multitude of varieties in ’79 but basically broke down into short wheelbase versions (110″) or a stretched variety that measured in at 125″. Beyond that, capacities included three, G10 (half-ton), G20 (three-quarter-ton), and G30 (one ton). And of course, one final delineation and that’s with windows (for passengers) or without (for cargo).

Refinished in modern Dupont finish, the hue looks like a shinier version of Russet Metallic which was a ’79 option. But the seller adds, “All doors and windows removed to correctly change the color. Reassembled with all new door rubber seals/window felts and glides” which makes me think this Chevy has experienced a color change. And, if you stroll through all of the images, you can see this Chevy being restored from its original color of what looks like Light Camel – I’d have to say the color change was a great move. Continuing that ’70s vibe are the chromed side pipes (functional) and new Cragar S/S wheels.

Get up and go is provided by a 165 net HP, 350 CI V8 engine working through a Turbo-Hydramatic automatic transmission. The seller adds, “I had the transmission completely checked over and resealed by a professional shop. Also the same with the rear end. New axel (sic) seals and bearings and also new pinion and carrier bearings. Ready to drive anywhere“. The mileage recording is listed as 77K miles and assuming that it’s authentic, it’s a minimal amount for a Chevy small-block engine that has been properly maintained.

Back in the day, shag carpet was the in-vogue interior treatment – and the longer the shag and more outrageous the color, the better! It’s nice to have that styling gem behind us. Of course, faux wood paneling was popular too and that’s what we find inside this Chevy. The seller tells us that the paneling is original, which I find surprising but the floor has been covered with new vinyl waterproof planking, it looks well facilitated. I’m not certain about those front bucket seats, they look similar to the original equipment but are perhaps a bit wider. Regardless, they are in sound shape with what appears to be high-quality vinyl upholstery as opposed to tacky-looking plaid fabric which was another ’70 styling cue.

Years ago, a van like this would have been the domicile of a “marijuannie smokin’ hippeye” as an old friend used to label such colorful characters but those long ago days are now just a remembrance – fond or not. So, here’s your chance to relive those halcyon days, in style, and without the “cool dude” baggage. Now if I could just find my Skull and Roses Grateful Dead eight-track tape…