Top 10 Cool Old Vans: A Ride with Vintage Classics

Step into the world of cool old vans and the people that drive them, where every vehicle tells a story.

Here, we’ll uncover the history and varied personalities of these iconic vans, from the quintessentially cool to the adorably cute and the outright weird.

The Reasons To Buy Vintage and Classic Vans

The allure of vintage and classic vans lies in their ability to transport us back to simpler times. These cool old vans are not just modes of transport; they are symbols of freedom, creativity, and rebellion against the mundane.

Their timeless designs, coupled with the stories they carry, make them more than mere vehicles – they are pieces of living history.

Top 10 Cool Old Vans

1. Volkswagen Type 2 (T1): The ultimate ‘Hippie van’, emblematic of the 50s and 60s free spirit.
2. Ford Econoline (First Generation): A symbol of rugged American craftsmanship from the 60s.
3. Chevrolet G10/G20 (First Generation): A 60s van known for its robust design and customization potential.
4. Volkswagen Type 2 (T2): An evolved version of the T1, larger and more aerodynamic, embodying the 70s van culture.
5. Dodge A100: Compact and unique with its 60s cab-over design.
6. Citroën H Van: The French touch in vans, versatile and functional since 1947.
7. Renault Estafette: A practical and front-wheel drive van, showcasing French automotive innovation.
8. Mercedes-Benz L319: Merging utility with classic Mercedes design.
9. Austin Mini Van: Compact yet surprisingly spacious, a classic British design.
10. Commer PB: Known for its snub-nosed front end, a staple of the British postal service.

These cool old vans are not just vehicles; they are icons of their times, each with a unique aesthetic and cultural significance.

What Makes A Cool Van?

Creators can be weird and strange but that’s what makes their creations awesome! Driver’s from across the world use their vehicles as works of art and classic vans are a beautiful canvas where they get to work.

Exploring the World of Weird Vans

The world of vintage vans also includes some weird, yet fascinating models. These strange and quirky vans often feature unconventional designs, bold colors, and unusual modifications.

From vans shaped like a loaf of bread to those adorned with striking murals and cars with unconventional body modifications, these weird vans are a testament to the creativity and eccentricity of their owners.

The Appeal of Cute Vans

Alongside their cool and weird counterparts, there are also vans that can only be described as ‘cute’. These charming vehicles often feature smaller sizes, eye-catching colors, and endearing design elements that make them stand out.

Cute vans like the Mini Clubman or the brightly painted VW Beetles converted into vans capture hearts with their adorable appearances and quirky personalities.

Who Buys and Drives Vintage Vans?

The Lifestyle of Classic Van Owners

Classic van enthusiasts embrace a lifestyle that values freedom, nostalgia, and a connection to the past.

These individuals appreciate the aesthetic and historical value of these vans, often engaging in activities like road trips, van meet-ups, and vintage car shows. The community around these cool old vans is vibrant, sharing a passion for preserving and celebrating these rolling pieces of history.

The Marketplace for Vintage Vans

Finding the perfect vintage van involves exploring various marketplaces, from online platforms to local car shows.

The value of these cool old vans depends on factors like model, condition, and uniqueness. Whether you seek a classic van for collecting, a cute van for weekend drives, or a weird van to turn heads, the market offers diverse choices for every enthusiast.

Reliability and Maintenance: A Decade-Wise Breakdown

When it comes to vintage vans, reliability and maintenance are crucial considerations. Understanding the common issues and strengths of vans from different decades helps enthusiasts make informed decisions:

• 1950s: Volkswagen Type 2 (T1) stands out for its simplicity and robustness, but like many of its contemporaries, it requires regular maintenance to remain reliable.
• 1960s: Ford Econolines are lauded for their durability, but like the Dodge A100, they may need parts replacements and rust treatment.
• 1970s: The Chevrolet G-Series vans are reliable but require attention to their engine and electrical systems.
• 1980s: Dodge B-Series from this era are known for improved build quality, though they may have issues with their more complex systems compared to earlier models.

Regular maintenance, timely repairs, and a good understanding of each model’s quirks are essential for keeping these vintage beauties on the road.

Performance and Handling of Vintage Vans

When discussing the performance and handling of vintage vans, it’s essential to set expectations in line with their age and design. These vans, particularly those from the 50s to the 80s, were not engineered with today’s performance standards in mind. Here’s what you can generally expect:

1. Engine Performance: Vintage vans typically have smaller, less powerful engines compared to modern vehicles. For example, the Volkswagen Type 2 (T1) had engines ranging from 1.2 to 1.6 liters, delivering modest horsepower. The performance is adequate for casual driving but may lack the power and acceleration of modern vehicles.
2. Handling and Drive Feel: Due to their older suspension designs and steering systems, vintage vans offer a driving experience that is quite different from modern vehicles. Steering may feel less responsive, and the ride can be bouncier, especially in vans with leaf-spring suspensions. However, this is often part of the charm and character of driving a vintage vehicle.
3. Braking Systems: Many vintage vans were equipped with drum brakes rather than today’s more common disc brakes. As a result, braking distances may be longer, and the brakes might feel less responsive.
4. Fuel Efficiency: Generally, vintage vans are not as fuel-efficient as modern vehicles. Their older engine designs and less aerodynamic shapes contribute to higher fuel consumption.

Wheels and Tires for Classic Vans

The choice of wheels and tires is crucial for maintaining the authentic look and safe operation of a vintage van.

1. Wheel Types: Vintage vans often feature steel wheels with simple designs or classic chrome hubcaps. Alloy was less common in older vans but can be used for a more personalized look. The sizes typically range from 14 to 16 inches, depending on the model and year.
2. Tire Choices: Choosing the right tires for a vintage van is about balancing authenticity and safety. Many van enthusiasts prefer tires with a classic look, such as whitewall tires, which were popular in the 50s and 60s. However, it’s important to ensure that the tires meet current safety standards. Modern radial tires are often a good choice, offering improved safety and performance while still fitting the vintage aesthetic.
3. Customization Options: For those who customize their vintage vans for shows or unique personal styles, options like larger alloy wheels, low-profile tires, or even custom-painted options are popular. These modifications can significantly alter the appearance and sometimes the handling of the van.

“Mini” Vans

During the mid-20th century, several minivans were produced that emphasized compact design and practicality. Among the smallest of these vintage minivans were:

1. Mini Van (1960-1983): Built by the British Motor Corporation (BMC) and its successors, the Mini Van was based on the Mini car. It was very compact, measuring just around 10 feet in length. Despite its small size, the Mini Van was surprisingly spacious inside due to its boxy shape and efficient design.
2. Fiat 600 Multipla (1956-1969): While technically more of a microcar than a minivan, the Fiat 600 Multipla was used for both passenger and light commercial purposes. It was notable for its very compact dimensions, being only about 11 feet long, and its innovative design that allowed for a relatively spacious interior.
3. Suzuki Carry (First Generation, 1961-onwards): The Suzuki Carry, a kei truck, was introduced in the early 1960s in Japan. Early models were extremely compact, often less than 10 feet in length, making them some of the smallest commercial vehicles available.
4. Citroën 2CV Fourgonnette (1951-1978): A small, utilitarian van based on the Citroën 2CV. It was known for its minimalist design and compact dimensions, making it highly suitable for narrow European streets.
5. Vespa 400 (1956-1961): Produced by Piaggio, the Vespa 400 was a tiny car that also had a commercial van variant. It was very small, measuring just under 9.5 feet in length.

These vans were known for their maneuverability and ease of driving in urban environments, as well as for their fuel efficiency.

While they offered limited space and power compared to larger vans, their compact size made them popular for businesses and individuals in crowded city settings or for those needing a small, economical work vehicle.

Seating and Cargo Configurations: The Versatility of Vans

Vans like the Volkswagen Type 2 (both T1 and T2), Ford Econoline, Chevrolet G10/G20, and others, were primarily focused on utility and adaptability. These vans commonly featured a flexible seating arrangement, often with a second row to three rows of seats.

The standard setup in many passenger models could accommodate between 5 to 9 passengers, making them ideal for bringing your own family but also for group travel.

For commercial or utility purposes, these vans typically had a two-seat configuration for the front seats, leaving a vast cargo space in the rear which people referred to as the cargo hauler. This design was particularly prevalent in models like the Citroën H Van and the Austin Mini Van, which were widely used for business needs, from delivery services to mobile workshops.

The cabin interiors were generally functional and simplistic, with an emphasis on practicality rather than luxury.

The ability to customize or modify these vans was also a significant aspect of their appeal, allowing owners to adapt them to various needs, be it for more passenger space, additional comfort, or increased cargo capacity.

Overall, the common theme among these vintage vans was their versatility. Whether it was transporting a large family, or a young sports team, hauling goods for business, or being converted into a mobile home or workshop, these vans were designed to cater to a wide range of needs, making them a popular choice for various users during their time.

That Van is Fast?

Determining the “fastest” classic van can be a bit challenging due to the lack of performance-oriented design in vintage vans. However, some models were relatively quicker or more powerful compared to others in their era.

Among these, the Chevrolet G-Series vans of the late 1960s and 1970s, particularly those equipped with larger V8 engines, were known for their relatively better performance.

The Chevy G-Series could be outfitted with various V8 engines, with some models featuring the Chevrolet Small-Block engine, a staple in Chevy’s performance lineup.

These engines provided more horsepower and torque, making the van quicker and more powerful, especially compared to other vans of the era that typically had smaller, less powerful engines.

It’s important to note that even the “fastest” classic vans would not compare to modern vehicle performance standards.

Vintage vans were primarily designed for utility and space, not speed. Their heavier bodies, less efficient aerodynamics, and older engine technologies meant that they were generally slower and had longer acceleration times compared to modern vehicles.

So, while the Chevy G-Series vans might not have been fast by today’s standards, they were among the quicker options available in the vintage van category during their time.

Comparing Classic Vans with Modern Minivans: Evolution of Utility Vehicles

When comparing classic vans from the mid-20th century to modern minivans, several key differences stand out, highlighting the significant evolution in automotive design, technology, and consumer needs.

1. Performance: Classic vans often had smaller, less powerful engines and were not designed with speed in mind. In contrast, modern minivans offer more powerful engines, better acceleration, and overall improved performance.
2. Handling and Comfort: Modern vans benefit from decades of advancements in automotive engineering, resulting in better handling, smoother rides, and enhanced comfort. Classic vans, with their simpler suspension systems and less refined steering, generally provide a more basic driving experience.
3. Safety Features: Safety standards have dramatically increased over the years. New minivans come equipped with advanced safety features like multiple airbags, anti-lock braking systems (ABS), electronic stability control, and more. Classic vans typically lack these advanced safety features.
4. Fuel Efficiency and Emissions: Modern vans are far more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly, thanks to advancements in engine technology and stricter emissions regulations. Classic vans were less efficient and had higher emissions.
5. Interior and Technology: Today’s minivans offer state-of-the-art technology, including infotainment systems, GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and more. Interiors are designed for maximum comfort and versatility. Classic vans were more utilitarian with basic interiors and lacked modern technological conveniences.
6. Design and Aesthetics: Classic vans often have a distinct, nostalgic aesthetic and are appreciated for their historical and cultural significance. Modern minivans are designed with contemporary styling and family-oriented practicality in mind.

There’s no denying the integral role these vehicles have played in shaping our travel experiences. As we continue to drive into the future, the legacy of these vans, both old and new, will undoubtedly continue to inspire and fascinate.