Did you miss the heyday of mid-1970s van culture? There is a strong Instagram-fueled “van life” scene in 2021, but it is just not quite the same as the days of vans done up in an outrageous combination of murals, shag carpeting, and wood paneling. This 1976 Chevrolet G20 custom van, available here on Craigslist, may be your chance to relive these days gone by and pretend you’re an extra in Dazed and Confused.
The exterior of this Chevrolet is on the more restrained side for a 1970s custom van. The crisp white paint shines well, though there is said to be some slight cracking in the lacquer, but there are no signs of rust. There are several fiberglass add-ons including a chin spoiler, cowl cover, windshield visor, and roof spoiler, all of which blend in well. Natural light is provided by a skylight on the roof, tinted windows on the sides, and bubble windows on the rear quarters. Rather than the more typical wizard or warlock, the mural art is of an idyllic seaside lighthouse scene, said to be done by the noted van artist Bob Bond. Finned Western mags fitted with brand new white letter BF Goodrich T/A tires give a nice aggressive and sporty look.
Things get a little wilder in the interior, which is a combination of quilted diamond upholstery on the door panels, doghouse, and front headliner, blue shag carpeting on the A-pillars, floor and ceiling, and imitation wood paneling lining the side walls. Faux wooden beams line the ceiling, and there is a small multicolored lantern in the rear where a table/sofa/folding bed combo is located. Captain’s chairs provide seating for four passengers. The seller describes this interior as “all very 70’s but still extremely clean and fresh,” which is good news because over time these types of materials can get a little stale and mildewy. The only piece of modern tech visible is a dash-mounted CD player, but even that is run through a period-correct external equalizer just above the driver’s right knee. The air conditioning system is present but is currently inoperable.
Power is provided by the original 350 V8 with a rebuilt three-speed automatic transmission with shift kit. The engine is said to run perfectly, and the transmission shifts smoothly. The steering, braking, and cooling systems are all in good order with no fluid leakage. The undercarriage appears solid with no excessive corrosion, and the exhaust runs through dual glass pack mufflers that exit ahead of each rear wheel. The odometer reads 51,000 miles which is believed to be original but not guaranteed. Are you ready to go back in time and party like it’s 1976?
Not something you would want to see the date of your teenage daughter drive up to the house in.
The dad would probably run up to check it out and talk shop for a few hours over this sweet van while the daughter stands there quietly fuming.
I believe the larger left side bay window is a mid1980’s or1990’s add-on. The smaller windows are 70’s correct though, and the rest is period spot on. Cool van!
Pretty sure you’re right. Window in right side slider not original either.
Looks pretty well preserved, but not 20K preserved. Wish I knew the history on this one though. (where and who did the interior, custom work) So many of the details are identical to some vans I built over the years. I believe I may know this one from the good old days in the before times…
A rehab on the interior from the front seats back would not run a lot of money, especially if one kept the walls and just re did the carpeting and roof.
Would pay maybe 10K for this as is, not worth 20K.
Nice looking though.
One of the more creative Craigslist ads that I have read and the writer does make some solid points about societies increasing wanderlust. RVs have been selling like hot cakes and this one appears to be in better condition than most, hell a black light inspection may not even be necessary as is the norm with these rockin’ vans. Should bring good money for the seller.
I miss these type of vans. My older brother had a Dodge short van back in late 70’s, all window, carpet thru out, bed in back, 318 engine w/ 3 on tree and side pipes. I thought I was cool ridding in it..lol
I want this in my garage…but not at the asking price.
Located in North Wales, PA