The Chevrolet Van was one of several vans made by General Motors for North America. Its strongest competition was the Ford Econoline van and the Dodge Ram Van.
1963
The original "classic" flat windshield van. Four or Six Cyl inline engines. Very strait forward construction and a boxy design optimized for hauling cargo, tools and equipment around town. Not well suited for highway use. The base cargo model was the "HANDIVAN", available with or without windows and side doors in the rear. Even the heater and right front passenger seat were options. A slightly spiffier window model designed for passengers was called the "SPORTVAN".
1967
A slightly restyled version with a rounded windshield, bigger engine and better brakes was released. V8 engines were available for the 1st time. The short wheelbase vans measured 90 inches (2,286 mm), while the long wheelbase was 108-inch (2,743 mm)
1971
The Vandura and sister ChevyVan replaced the earlier flat nosed model. The GMCs were introduced in April 1970; interior components such as the steering column and steering wheel were sourced from the Chevrolet/GMC C/K pickups. The short wheelbase vans measured 110 inches (2,794 mm), while the long wheelbase was 125-inch (3,175 mm) wheelbase).
1978
The front sheetmetal was updated. Changes include: new plastic grilles, round headlamps on lower-end models and square headlamps on higher-end models, new steering wheel similar to the 1973-87 pickups, and new dash layout.
1980
All 1980 vans were given new rear view mirrors on the drivers and passenger doors.
1982
For 1982, the locking steering column was introduced, along with a new column mounted ignition switch. It was the last model year for a 3-speed manual transmission on the column, and round headlamps. A 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission was also introduced.
1983
Stacked headlights introduced, alongside with a flatter front grille similar to the one used on Chevrolet C/K trucks, replacing the previous year's 1978 vintage eggcrate design. The shifter for all manual transmissions were on the floor. All vans models now have square headlamps. From this model year on, tilt steering was available with a manual transmission because the steering column was retilted to be similar to the C/K trucks. Four speed manuals were available as well as the older three speed. New steering wheels were introduced as well to be similar to the cars for that time.
1984
New swing out side doors were introduced to go with the standard sliding side door. The doors were a 60/40 split.
1985
The taillight and side marker lenses were redesigned. New Grille Treatment similar to the pickups.
1986/87
Most engines are fuel injected and a 4.3 litre V6 replaces the old 4.1 liter inline six. Diesel engine is available. A carbureted 5.0 liter 180 hp V8 engine (option LE9) was also available in the 49-state version, with fuel injection for California-emission vehicles.
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