Finding an old overlanding rig is one of the more exciting discoveries you can make when checking out old trucks. A few years ago, we posted about an old Unimog that ended up in the scrapyard after being abandoned on a property in upstate New York. The loss of the heavy-duty equipment and the history of a vehicle that had been indomitable on the trails at one point in time felt significant. Of course, it doesn’t matter now, but when we come across a 4WD-converted GMC Vandura like this one here on eBay, it seems well worth the cost of restoring.
The concept of converting a vehicle like a Vandura or a Chevy G20 caught fire in the 70s and 80s. When considering how many different forms these old-school vans took – a true “boogie” van, popular with the vanning crowd; the overlanding fanatics, who would buy a rig like this; or simply a contractor’s first choice for a convenient and cheap-to-run workhorse – it’s impressive how versatile the platform is. I often wonder if GM’s own engineers knew they were creating a van with so much potential. The Vandura as shown here, outside of its 4WD running gear, is in respectable condition.
Companies like Quigley were perhaps the best known for these off-road conversions. Wheel Drive Engineering out of Utah was the builder behind this GMC, which is seemingly far less known (if Google search results are any indication.) The lifted suspension, low-range transfer case, and slightly meatier tires are all clues as to this rig’s potential, but I’m sure that will be lost on most casual observers of what looks like an old work van. The Wheel Drive upfits included WARN locking hubs and 4.09 gear ratios, the former which are plainly obvious on the front wheels.
Of course, like most old vans, you’d be rightfully concerned about the interior and how trashed/funky it is. I’m happy to report this GMC has survived in remarkably good condition inside, with clean upholstery front and rear. The back compartment sports rear-facing jump seats, a very cool upgrade that will make conversation with friends far easier when parked. The seller notes additional features including a Dana 60 front axle, 12 bolt rear end, and a 33-gallon fuel tank to keep the 5.7L V8 fed over long-distance trips. The asking price is $8,890 or best offer, which seems quite fair for a rare 4WD rig like this.
It’s difficult to imagine a poor vehicle made even worse, but here you go. For the record, the 4wd is a savior to these, they get stuck in an inch of snow going downhill. Ironically, on dry roads, no help there, as it will wander all over, like me at a flea market. Gas mileage, oh boy, let’s just say trips are planned around gas stops, and that is costly today. $150 a fill-up, and it won’t last long, my dearies. This setup does have some merit, and if you have business out in the wilderness, this will get you back there, but everyday driving in this will increase the chance of road rage, trust me. Considering the AWD alternatives of today, I don’t see much appeal for this.