NEW! Award 98: 1974 Chevy G10 Shorty Customized Van – Sold?

April 24, 2022, Update – We just confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar

At the height of the custom van craze in the late 1970s, if you wanted to feature a custom mural paint job on a van, you needed to hire a professional with excellent airbrush skills. Today, the same effect can be achieved in vinyl wrap form for what we assume to be much cheaper than hiring an artist.  However, we’re not sure whether someone choosing this route can get custom printed wrap with their bespoke design or if they are limited in what they can choose.

The seller of this customized 1974 Chevrolet G10 “Shorty” van originally listed in March 20212 on Craigslist in Bozeman, Montana reports being the third owner. They also indicate they have spent “a lot of time, money, and hours restoring it to its 70s Boogie Van glory“. Unfortunately, they appear to be trying to recoup most of their investment in the asking price for this customized van.  We would need to see pictures of what the van originally looked like versus what it turned out during its most recent rebuild. For a custom van reported to spend its entire life in Bozeman, Montana, the choice of a tropical ocean theme complete with an Aligator on the side seems a bit ironic to us.

Currently offered for $50,000, comparing that price against the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the seller’s ask is nearly forty thousand dollars above this guide’s #1 “Excellent” appraisal of only $10,800. The J.D. Power NADA Guides Online Tool also confirms the seller’s ask is nearly $47,000 higher than this guide’s “High” retail estimate of only $3,300.  With neither Hagerty Insurance, Bring a Trailer, nor Classic.com able to provide data on similar custom vans, we have no choice but to give the seller our latest “NEW!” (short for “No Effin Way!”) Award for trying to recoup what appears to be s significant investment.

The Ed’s Auto Reviews YouTube Channel takes a nostalgic look at the 1970s custom van craze:

Here’s the seller’s description:

“This van has been in Bozeman for its entire 47 years. I am the 3rd owner and have spent a lot of time, money, and hours restoring it to its 70s Boogie Van glory.
Too many new parts to list. Body and transmission have about 55k original miles. I replaced the motor with a small block 350 and a new Edelbrock carb about 5k miles ago.
The Interior has been gutted and redone with crushed velvet walls and ceiling and faux gator skin. A custom bed was built with storage underneath.
The mural was done by SCS wraps on 3M vinyl in Bozeman.
Serious offers only. Don’t waste your time or mine. No tire kickers. No test drives unless cash in hand. I will not ship or deliver.
Own a piece of American 70’s history and have the coolest van in Montana! These vans are getting harder to find and are going up in value!”

Yay or Nay: Do you agree or disagree with our pricing assessment on this custom van?  If so, comment below and let us know!