GMC Vandura

The GMC Vandura, also sold as the Chevy Van, was a full-size van produced by GMC from 1970 (introduced in April 1970 as 1971 models), up until 1996. In 1996, in its last model year, it co-existed with a new generation full-size van, the Savana, which did not fully replace the Vandura until, of course, 1997.

Along with its Chevrolet twin - the second-generation G-series vans replaced the "breadloaf" (a.k.a. Scooby-Doo) 1964-70 generation. The previous generation was a modified passenger car platform (using components sourced from the Chevy II - primarily the powerplants and brakes), and the second generation Vandura used suspension parts from the Chevrolet/GMC C-series pickups. Ironically, 3/4 ton Chevrolet/GMC vans used ball joints from a 2500 series pickups while the brakes are HD versions used on their 1/2 tons. Powerplants and transmission choices were the same with their truck counterparts.

1970

The Vandura (and sister Chevrolet Chevyvan) replaced the earlier GMC Handi-Van (and sister Chevrolet Sportvan). The GMCs were introduced in April 1970; interior components such as the steering column and steering wheel were sourced from their Chevrolet/GMC C/K pickups.