Panel van is a multi-purpose vehicle. These vehicles are primarily used to transport goods and other essential items. In business, it is used by restaurants to carry food. Plumbers and Electricians use panel vans to take materials. Though modern panel vans are available, the hype for vintage panel vans remains the same. Let us see some of the iconic panel vans that deserve a comeback.
7 Panel Vans that Deserve a Comeback
Chevrolet G10
The Chevrolet G10 panel vans were the first set of cargo vehicles in the G-Series. Chevrolet G10 was in production between 1964 to 1966. It was a high-speed vehicle used for camper conversions and delivery. The powerful inline 4.3 L V6 engines enhance the performance. Chevrolet G10’s top speed was 100mph which was big for a vintage cargo van. The durability of the Chevrolet G10 was great, but the vehicles stopped production in a short time.
Dodge A100
The Dodge A100 was a compact van offering huge cargo space. Its size is small and it was easy to park it anywhere. Dodge A100 was used by tradespeople, business people, and others. This was available at a price of $2000 in 1964. Dodge A100 featured side doors. The vehicle offered 95mph. It was built with engines like 170 cu in Slant-6 (2.8 L) and 225 cu in Slant-6 (3.7 L). The Dodge A100’s sleek performance was powered by its 3-speed manual gearbox.
Volkswagen Type 2
Volkswagen Type 2 was an iconic vehicle from Volkswagen. The models between 1950 to 1970 made record sales. These panel vans featured Air-cooled engines. Built using 1.1 L flat-4 and 1.5 L flat-4 engines, the Volkswagen Type-2 was mainly used as a delivery vehicle. It was then used as camper vehicles. The cargo space was big and it was an added advantage for the truck. During the Hippie movement in the 1960s, people’s go-to vehicle was the Volkswagen Type-2. These vans were available in multiple colors like Turquoise, Blue, White, Red, and Green. The design and mechanisms made the Volkswagen Type-2 more popular during that time.
Ford Falcon Panel Van
The Ford Falcon Panel Van was manufactured only for Australia. These trucks featured 3-speed manual and 4-speed manual gearboxes. It was used as a delivery vehicle by food companies, mobile companies, and parcel companies. Ford Falcon Panel Van is an upgraded version of the regular Ford Falcon vehicles, but the panel van offered smooth performance, robust engines, and large cargo space. The performance was great, powered by an advanced rear suspension.
Toyota HiAce
Many Panel Vans may come and go, but the Toyota HiAce remains an iconic vehicle. The first-generation vehicles in 1967 to 1977 were successful. Toyota HiAce featured 1.3 L inline-4 engines and RWD. The gearbox included 4-speed manual transmissions in the first-generation vans. The big cargo area, designs, and fuel efficiency were considered the biggest successful factors of Toyota HiAce. Toyota HiAce was available as a delivery van for business people and camper vans for tourists.
Chevrolet 3800
The heavy-duty truck was in production between 1947 to 1955. Chevrolet 3800 panel vans featured double rear doors and high roof cargo area. The powerful Chevrolet inline-6 engines, strong chassis and rear-wheel drive resulted in great performance and endurance. Though the top speed for the Chevrolet 3800 was 65 mph, it was the best vehicle for transporting goods with great endurance. The Chevrolet 3800 was another multi-use van used by business firms and others.
Ford Panel Van
The Ford Panel Van in the 1940s was made using Flathead V8 and Inline-6 engines. These were mostly used by businesses for delivering stocks. The Ford Panel van was equipped with the best engines which enhanced handling and maintenance. These trucks were used during the World War II period. Ford Panel Vans offered a speed of 80mph and were truly considered vintage vehicles. The Ford Panel Vans are still available as second-hand vehicles, but the price is many times higher than the original editions. One can get Ford Panel Vans from collector markets and through auctions for a price of $20,000 to $40,000 USD.