1976 Chevrolet G10

Description

Forget everything you remember about '70s vans and re-think cool in terms of how useful this 1976 Chevrolet G10 can be today. Outfitted for NASCAR infield camping and powered by a Corvette engine, this is one cool van that's also extremely practical for the right guy with an old-school attitude.

Honestly, when was the list time you saw a 40-year-old Chevy van this clean? There's obviously A TON of time wrapped up in it, because there's a lot of sheetmetal and it looks extremely good. The shiny modern urethane sparkles and the color combination is both appropriate for 1976 and contemporary, so the truck looks nothing like the rolling pleasure palaces you remember from your youth. Running boards, fender flares, and graphics on the sides of the panels certainly help with the updated look. That roof rack was specifically designed for NASCAR viewing, and there's a ladder on the back of the truck for easy access, but you can imagine the many possibilities of having a mobile platform six feet off the ground. There's a space-saver spare strapped down up there to make room inside the van for the accommodations, but we'll get to that in a moment.

We all remember the wood paneling used in these vans back in the day, so maybe the wood-rimmed steering wheel and faux wood dashboard are a tribute to that, but otherwise it has been tastefully updated. Auto Meter gauges and a tachometer augment the factory gauges and the options list is rather extensive, includiing a tilt wheel, and a powerful AM/FM/CD stereo system with speakers throughout the interior. The bucket seats and door panels are in very, very good shape and there's carpet throughout so it's surprisingly quite out on the road. In back, it's easy to see why this truck was a favorite at NASCAR events, as it feels more like a favorite hangout than a vintage truck, with upscale furnishings, a cocktail table, and some Dale Earnhardt graphics. That rear bench folds into a bed, so it's comfortable enough for camping just about anywhere and the floors under the carpet have been protected with spray-in bedliner material. Add in some overhead lighting, a few custom racks and hooks, and you have a comfortable place to hang out anywhere you go.

Although it's hard to see it crammed way under the doghouse like that, the engine is a 350/290 HP V8 Crate and it gives this van a whole new attitude. Where the ones you remember always seemed to struggle to get out of their own way, this one legitimately earns its sporty look with decent acceleration and effortless cruising thanks to a TH350 3-speed automatic transmission. A Holley carburetor, long-tube headers and Flowmasters give it a very NASCAR-friendly soundtrack as well as a fat toque curve that helps move it with ease. It actually rides rather well and power steering and brakes make it relaxing on those long road trips. Shiny chrome Rally wheels with spinners are timeless enough to work well on this vintage box and fat 275/60/15 Goodyear white-letter radials make it look suitably racy.

So forget what you remember about these vans and take a fresh look at this one. It's practical, attractive, and nobody will argue with the quality of the build. And you're almost guaranteed to be the only one everywhere you go. Call today!