Vehicle Description
1968 Chevrolet G10 Van
The Chevrolet Van or Chevy Van is a range of vans that was
manufactured by General Motors from the 1964 to 1996 model years.
Introduced as the successor for the rear-engine Corvair
Corvair/Greenbrier, the model line also replaced the panel van
configuration of the Chevrolet Suburban. The vehicle was sold both
in passenger van and cargo van configurations as well as a cutaway
van chassis that served as the basis for a variety of custom
applications. Produced across three generations, the model line was
sold under a wide variety of model names under both the Chevrolet
and GMC brands. Initially sold as a forward control vehicle, (with
the engine placed between the seats), the third generation had a
conventional layout, (placing the engine forward of the driver);
the second and third-generation series shared powertrain
commonality with the C/K pickup truck model line. In 1967, the
Chevrolet van received a major facelift. The forward control cab
design was retained, but the doghouse was lengthened, widened, and
slightly relocated in order to fit an optional V8 Chevrolet
Small-Block engine. Engine cooling was improved with the addition
of an optional larger cross-flow type radiator and a redesigned
front that included a low-profile tunnel allowing more fresh air to
the radiator. The second-generation vans were available in either
the 90 or 108 in wheelbase lengths. Power steering and
"conventional" air conditioning, (with dash vents and controls),
were never available on the second-generation van.
For consignment, a seldom seen example of a 1968 Chevrolet G10 Van.
This is a somewhat compact design and has been treated to an
amateur restoration on the exterior and a good running mid-engine 6
cylinder residing in the "dog house" next to the front seats. Two
tone color gives it some zip, and its simplistic design is very
effective along with this 2 tone gray paint. Scooby Doo!
Exterior
During the restoration/upgrade process any rusted panels were
repaired with body filler and new metal. Some waviness is noted
throughout the body. Then it was bathed in a two tone gray finish
with a 3rd hue of gray for the red highlighted mid-body elongated
diamond stripe. This simplistic flat front look with a single round
headlight floating within a blacked out oval grille below framed by
a blacked out lower bumper, and the Chevrolet bowtie badge floating
atop in the center. A panoramic piece of glass rises from this
metal front and is nearly flat as well. On the sides for the upper
panels are simply steel finished in a gloss gray hue and covers
both rear upper rear sides of the van. The lower body and rockers
remain untrimmed and are bathed in a satin gray that matches the
front and rear colors of the van. The passenger's side offers up
just the single front door and more metal matching the driver's
side, sans side glass and sliding door. On the back, dual swinging
doors give full access to the cargo area, and these doors sport
glass uppers for ease of viewing what's behind you. A black bumper
frames the bottom, and a single vertical rectangle tail light is on
either side in the mid back section of the rear quarters. 15-inch
aluminum slots are wrapped in raised white letter BF Goodrich
Radial T/A's that are like new and on all 4 corners.
Interior
A swing of the front doors just above the wheel well in front
yields a gray painted metal surround with smooth black vinyl insert
which houses the shiny actuation handles and window crank. Climbing
inside we sit on low back bucket seats which have aftermarket
covers over the upholstery. Between the seats is a black covered
"doghouse" for the engine topped with a cream padded cover. The
instrument cluster is original design and is fairly clean and
presents as an oval aluminum ribbed panel with black faced gauges
and white numbers and lettering. A Sony AM/FM/CD stereo has been
added to the center of the dash. The metal dash shows just a bit
rough with some roughness of the paint and cream padded topper. A
black 2 spoke steering wheel sits proudly on top of the straight
column which starts from the floor. A 3-speed shifter is on the
column finished off with a yellow pool ball shift knob. Black
rubber mats flood the floors up front, and in back the cargo area
has been completely finished with off white carpeting on the walls
and gray indoor/outdoor carpeting on the flooring. Shall we shag
now, or shall we shag later??!
Drivetrain
In the mid-section of the van and popping the top of the 'doghouse"
we see a nicely restored yet retaining its patina 230ci inline
6-cylinder which has been completely gone through for any issues
and fixed. On top is a 1-barrel carburetor. 3 speeds for the tree
shifting manual transmission and out back is a 10 bolt rear
axle.
Undercarriage
Underneath some minor surface rust is noted on some of the usual
suspects, but frame, toe kicks, belly pan, rockers and frame are
all solid and rust free with a few previous invasive rust repairs
on the lower body sections in the rear but now somewhat remediated.
Leaf springs provide the ride along with drum brakes for the
stopping power and a clean exhaust is noted.
Drive-Ability
With the modern radial tires this van rides like a dream, and you
can have one while doing so by unrolling your sleeping bag in the
back for a quick bed setup! Nice smooth acceleration, good braking,
and smooth shifting. A pleasurable experience.
Seldom seen, a G10 cab over mid-engine van, fixed up interior
complete with a carpeted rear area and traditional low back
buckets. A two-tone mixture for the paint and that perfect van look
all add up to a nice surprise in this G10.
GS158P121671
G-G Series Van
S-6 Cylinder
1-1/2 Ton
5-90-95" Wheelbase
8-1968
P-Pontiac, MI Assy Plant
121671-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our
showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just
1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The
website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888)
227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come
see the vehicle in person.
