Chevrolet Van First Generation 

Manufacturer:	Chevrolet
Type:	commercial vehicle
Production period:	1964 to 1971
designs:	Box van , minibus
Engines:	Gasoline: 2.5-7.4 liters (66-202 kW)
Wheelbase:	2286-2743 mm

The Chevrolet Van First Generation was built from 1964 to 1971 in the USA for the American market. 

History

The Chevrolet Van was one of several vans that General Motors produced for the North American market. Its strongest competitors were the Ford Econoline and the Dodge A100 .The term Chevrolet Van also refers to the other vans from Chevrolet. The first of these vans, the Corvan , was launched in 1961 on the Corvair platform, the youngest being the Chevrolet Express .

The 1964 to 1970 Chevrolet Van, like its competitors Ford Econoline and Dodge A100, was based on a modified passenger car platform. The engine sat between and behind the front seats and the car had a flat front. Engine and brakes were taken over by the Chevy II . This Chevrolet Van was also offered as a GMC Handi-Van .

The 1964 presented van had a flat windshield and was equipped with four- or six-cylinder engines. Available were a four-cylinder in-line with 2.5 l displacement, which made 66 kW, and inline six-cylinder engines with 3.2 l (88-130 kW), 3.8 l (103 kW) or 4.1 l (114 kW). 

The simple construction and box-like construction was ideal for transporting cargo, tools and materials in the city and camper day van conversions. But for long overland trips, the car was less suitable than others. The delivery van was called Handivan and had a windowed window and no side door. Also, the passenger seat and the heater was only available at an additional cost. The slightly better equipped model for passenger transport was called Sportvan .

In 1967, there was a slightly redesigned model with a rounded windshield, larger engines and better brakes. For the first time there was a V8 engine with 5.4 l displacement and a power of 202 kW. There were two wheelbases, 2286 mm and 2743 mm.

A completely new model based on the G platform was introduced in 1971 in parallel with the GMC Vandura . This was offered with several facelifts until 1996 and then replaced by the Chevrolet Express .