Best Vans For Sale: July 2019

I have a steady craving for a good van. As a kid, I loved looking at old photos of Dad’s 1968 Ford Falcon XT Panelvan and flicking through the pages of his “Custom Vans and Trucks” collection. Intended for commercial use only, they were both highly functional and also completely useless as passenger transportation. My own van ownership was never realised, so I flick through the for sale ads each week daydreaming about all the fun I could have in a van (keep it clean please).

Here are some I came across this week. I couldn’t choose just one, so instead compiled them into one ultimate van post!

1976 Chrysler Valiant Panelvan

It wouldn’t be a van post without a classic Aussie panelvan. Unique to Australia, it moved away from the COE (Cab over engine) US and small capacity four cylinder European style vans to create its own genre. Big, powerful sedan based panelvans. Everyday of the week you can find interesting Ford and Holden vans for sale, so I have chosen to feature this Valiant instead. This car has been built as replica to the rare “Drifter” vans, which was Valiant’s answer to the Sandman during the 70’s. I also used to be obsessed with particular ad that was on the back of one of my Dads magazines, that featured a stunning Red Chrysler Sports Van (see below gallery).

Whilst this car presents well, the owner claims there is engine noise coming from the thumping 360 V8- so a rebuild may be in order. Still, I can forgive that once I look at those period mags and ridiculous paint scheme.

You can read the full ad on Gumtree here.

1970 VW Kombi Panel Bus

Whilst Split Window Kombi’s have seen huge popularity over the last decade, the humble predecessor known as the “Low Light” VW Kombi can still be picked up for reasonable prices. This one is a good example, having been fully restored and upgraded with a 1641cc Motor (slightly stroked out 1600cc). It looks very tidy, and the windowless sides are begging for some signage. At $25,000 it would make the ideal delivery van or bike hauler.

Check out the ad on Gumtree here.

1985 Suzuki Super Carry

If your budget is tight and cant quite stretch for the more desirable Aussie Panelvans or German Kombies, you can always opt for a Japanese Kei Van. Kei Vans (and Cars) were built by various Japanese automakers as part of a government incentive to offer road users reduced tax and insurance by driving and owning a smaller car or van. Kei cars have now become somewhat of a beacon of Japanese quirkiness, with many oddball gems making their way onto Japan (and our) roads.

Like for instance, this little stunner. A 1985 Suzuki Super Carry. Sure, it looks like it would tip first corner (the pickup versions have their own drift series in Japan FYI) and steep hills may be a struggle- but just look how cute it is! With just 797cc, its not a genuine Kei car (660cc and under), but it would still no doubt remain ultra frugal and perfect for city driving. And with those 13 inch meshies, lowered stance, chin spolier and Nardi wheel it is every bit the JDM dream (minus the power).

Check the ad out on Gumtree here.