This 1989 P-30 isn’t the oldest step-van GMC made – that honor belongs to the Dubl-Duti, launched in 1940 under the Chevrolet nameplate. The Dubl-Duti utilized a pick-up chassis, Chevy’s Thriftmaster six-cylinder, and a body built by Divco. Meant for step-on, step-off delivery service in urban areas, the Dubl-Duti popularized a configuration that Pack-Age-Car and Divco had initiated years before. Gradual modernization brought this boxy shape into being; later, GM sold its P-chassis business to Workhorse Custom Chassis. Workhorse still makes vans, though the new product is an electric vehicle built for last-mile delivery. Meanwhile, vintage vans have been used as the raw material for customizers to create food trucks, mobile service shops, even RVs. Today’s example – formerly used by Seattle Lighting as a service truck – is available here on craigslist for $8500 in Auburn, Washington. Thanks to Jack M for the tip!
This example is powered by Chevy’s 350 cu. in. V8, settled in the doghouse centered below the dash and paired with an automatic transmission. The seller notes it measures 14′ from stem to stern. Thanks to municipal ownership, the truck was maintained at regular intervals. And according to the seller, this van has only traveled 14,700 miles since it left the factory.
The interior paneling is new oriented strand board, and the body is aluminum. While the chassis and other components may rust, at least that body will remain solid. Owners report that the driving experience is primitive, though: the engine heats up the cabin, ventilation never seems adequate, and the doors rattle mercilessly. The good news is that modern components and renovation can fix these issues. This early Kurbmaster, made by Grumman on a Chevy chassis, has been updated to the nth degree.
Step-vans, bread vans, milk vans – they’ve all got fans! Collectors tend to pay up for early, rounded, Art Deco bodies, but there’s space for everyone in this hobby. This dealer specializes in sales and restoration of classic step-vans; here on Classic.com, you’ll see that early Grumman-bodied vans can sell in the tens of thousands. What would you do with this P-30 if it dropped into your driveway?
Leave A Comment