For those of you that grew up in the ’60s or ’70s, you’ll remember Tonka toys – stamped metal vehicles that, among other things, usually featured oversize wheels. This made them “Cool”, or “Cute”, depending on the parent that was purchasing it for you. That’s the first thing I thought of when I saw this customized 1966 Chevrolet G20 van that is listed for sale here on eBay. While the buy-it-now price is a steep $47,500, I doubt that begins to touch the hours of fabrication and craftsmanship that have gone into the custom van. The G20 is in Wells, Maine.
The van body is now sitting on a Chevrolet truck 4×4 chassis and has been equipped with a 350-cubic-inch V-8 and an automatic transmission. The space for the 33-inch tires has been made by lifting the body on the chassis; the seller estimates it is around four inches. You can also see the high-quality paint, Cadillac taillights, custom bumpers, and numerous other features in this photo.
Gull-wing doors (including the large passenger-side cargo door) add to the changes. You may wonder “why”, but the care that went into the construction of this one-off would be difficult to dispute.
The custom touches continue on the inside, with little recognizable from the original G20 interior. This look is either love it or hate it but is definitely high quality, with the seats being upholstered in leather.
Nothing stock here, either! The van has been equipped with a keyless start, a nice stereo, and Auto Meter gauges. The cork bulletin board on the right is echoed in the rear of the van.
That’s cork flooring to go with the dash and some pretty large speakers. What do you think of the customization of this van? Did you think of Tonka toys as I did? What would you do with it if it showed up in your driveway? Let us know in the comments!
Lifted, chopped, molded, frenched, flared and fiber-glassed, they spared no expense with this build. The trouble with these customs is they all to often don’t wear well, the radical styles rarely age gracefully. Looking back at some of the creations I was a part of often ends in “WTH were we thinking?” Build quality is higher than most from what I can see, and it presents as if it was a recent conversion, but would someone really do this to a vehicle today?
Widow maker deluxe!
I was loving it until I saw the rear interior photo … where’s the bed? More importantly, where’s the bar? My ‘65 C10 had both!
It doesn’t appear to have the water bed option…
I don’t think so. I have always believed that you build a custom vehicle for yourself only, and can’t/shouldn’t expect anyone else to share your vision.
Seems likely the seller is going to either take a major hit on the price, or be looking at this thing for a long, long time.
I was loving it till the gull wing doors. I couldn’t imagine trying to crawl through those tiny doors.
It looks like getting in and out of this thing would be kinda tough.
Getting in? Maybe step on the tire and go in head first while the door whacks you on the a** from the failing old struts?
I’d like to watch someone try to get in and out of it. I’m not talking about a gymnast. I’m talking about the over weight 50-plus y.o. we most often see at car shows these days.
Can’t see where anyone over 5’6″ is going to fit in the chopped top driver’s seat. Other than that, interesting build.
This is the “It’s safe for your daughter to ride in edition ” the water bed & were bar were left out.
I like it.
A buddy of mine and I rolled one not as nice as this one , brake pulled hard to the left and over the hill we went, scars and broken bones but we walked away. Lifted + top heavy = totaled.
Absolutely love it!!!! Grew up in the 70’s belonged to a van club in Ontario called South West Vans. If it were possible I’d have this thing already registered for Van National’s 2022
Im sure that dog house doesnt get hot at all…
I’ve spent many summer days at Wells Beach and I’ve never seen anything close to this radical.
I know right where those pictures were taken.
Well, of course it’s cool, I just can’t imagine someone sticking a college education into this. Where does all the money come from to support shenanigans like this? It’s a one off abomination that few will embrace, probably unsafe to drive and FIFTY G’S TO BOOT! Sounds good to me,,,
This either was or should be used in a movie.
Given all the modifications, I’d say this particular van has a market of one… including the party who currently owns it. GLWTS!