Produced for just a few years in the mid-1960s, the first-generation GMC Handi-Van (and its Bow Tie brand equivalent, the Chevy Sportvan) comes with a classic style that’s simple, functional, and endlessly cool. Now, this expertly restored example from 1966 is up for sale with all the right bits and pieces.
While the sellers call this a “GMC Sport Van,” this is in fact a GMC Handi-Van, and truth be told, it looks utterly pristine thanks to a ground-up, professional restoration. Fit and finish are top-notch, while details like the weather stripping and polished chrome trim look factory fresh. This GMC Handi-Van also comes with unique, hand-painted pinstriping on the front and rear, adding a nice custom flair to the look.
The body panels are covered in Sea Surf Green paint, while a subtle, green-colored tint was applied to the windows as well. Rallye wheels catch the sun in the corners.
Things are equally clean inside, with new carpets, modern tan leather upholstery, and a tan suede headliner. Vintage Air A/C blows cold. This GMC Handi-Van also comes with window drapes for a little added privacy, which are pre-cut to fit the odd-shaped glass, while also sporting a period-correct design. More pinstriping can be found on the dash.
Lift the cover on the center tunnel, and you’ll find a new V8 engine mounted between the two front seats. This 350 crate motor connects to the 700R4 four-speed transmission, while power steering and power four-wheel disc brakes help it drive, stop, and turn like a modern van should, all with that old-school body on top.
Now, this ultra-clean 1966 GMC Handi-Van is up for sale from Classic Cars of Sarasota, listed with an asking price of $38,900.
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Source: Classic Cars of Sarasota
Comments
My father-in-law had one of these in carbon paper blue when I met my wife so many years ago. Dad was a Master Electrician with a number of other vans but this one was his ‘baby’. Riding in the thing, with the seats out past the front axle, it felt like I was sitting on the front bumper. It was a singular experience. Dad also had a bubble-top Impala with a 396 (i think) which soon left the family. Don’t remember what happened to that. I was blessed to be a part of that family.
I was just out of high school and entered the Vermont Electrical Apprenticeship ship program and my Dad was a master electrician and our truck was a 1967 Chevy van with as many electrical parts, tools and ladders that we could carry! I have been so happy with the Chevy vans, since that ’67 van we have had a total of 10 including the 2020 that I have now. The old silver ’67 was one of the best! 250 cubic inch 6 cylinder and 3 on the tree stick and a posi rearend, we had to retire the van after 7 years because of salty winter roads here in Vermont!