1976 Chevrolet G20 Sportvan

1976 Custom Chevy G20 Van

This amazing van is a true barn find. Purchased in Eastern Pennsylvania in 1976, it was painted by a local art collective with these fantastic Frank Frazetta murals. Frazetta himself lived and worked in a studio not far from where this was painted.

In 1986 (see the last PA safety sticker still on the windshield), the owner had a child and locked this away in a storage shed. It did not come out again until I purchased it in 2013.

I had new kids myself, and was looking for a fun toy to take on road trips. I preemptively replaced the radiator, fuel lines, water pump, alternator, belts, fluids, etc. It has run without issue or complaint since. 53k miles on the original 350. Turbo 350 auto transmission.

The patina is amazing. There are smaller dents on the passenger door and back door that need to be addressed (things banging it in the storage shed), but it is shocking how little rust or decay there is on the body. The frame is rock-solid. There is slight surface rust on the bumpers and near the wheel arches, but the body metal is in great shape. The murals look fantastic. Someone needs to invest in a clear coat to protect this thing forever.

We are huge Frazetta fans and it was amazing to find and enjoy this van. You could probably count on a single hand the number of rust-free original Frazetta vans still driving around America. This really belongs in a museum.

Shag carpet. 8-track player (not working). Funky rear lamps. Bubble windows. Removeable rear seat. Wood paneling.

My kids are grown now, and the van is in a barn 2 hours from our house. I'd love to use it more, but it's time for it to bring some joy to another family. You wouldn't believe the smiles it brings to everyone who sees it. Maybe the best investment I ever made.