This Chevrolet G-Series Van got away, but there are more like it here.

This 1978 Chevrolet G20 van was modified by Compliment/Barrows Enterprises of Camanche, Iowa with their Trans Vista conversion package and was sold new at Eriksen Chevrolet in Milan, Illinois on September 8, 1978. The van is finished in tan with brown and gold graphics over orange cloth upholstery, and power is provided by a 350ci V8 mated to a three-speed automatic transmission. The rear cabin has been fitted with camper-style amenities consisting of a convertible couch/bed, a sink, a cooler, and two tables with integrated cup holders. Additional equipment includes air conditioning, cruise control, 15″ Rally wheels, power steering, power front disc brakes, four swiveling captain’s chairs, and a push-button AM/FM/eight-track stereo. The van was acquired by the seller in December 2022, and subsequent work reportedly consisted of performing an engine tune-up in addition to replacing the fuel tank, sending unit, braking components, and rear shocks. This G20 conversion van is now offered with manufacturer’s literature, spare eight-track tapes, period memorabilia, and a clean Maryland title in the seller’s name.

1978 Chevrolet G20 Compliment Conversion Van

The body panels are finished in tan with brown and gold graphics as well as “Trans Vista” lettering. Additional exterior features include diamond-plate running boards and mudguards in addition to chrome bumpers, tinted windows, a rear-mounted ladder, and a roof rack.

1978 Chevrolet G20 Compliment Conversion Van

Silver 15″ Rally wheels wear polished trim rings and 225/75 Custom 428 A/S thin-whitewall tires. A spare tire fitted with a body-color cover is mounted to the right rear door. Braking is provided by power-assisted front discs and rear drums, and the van is equipped with power steering in addition to Monroe front shocks. According to the seller, the brake master cylinder, front brake calipers, and rear shocks were replaced under current ownership.

1978 Chevrolet G20 Compliment Conversion Van

The forward cabin features four swiveling captain’s chairs trimmed in orange cloth with patterned seating surfaces, and matching upholstery extends to the door panels. Amenities include a pop-up sunroof, air conditioning, vent windows, cruise control, a center console storage compartment, and a push-button AM/FM/eight-track stereo. The center-mounted table is equipped with four cup holders.

1978 Chevrolet G20 Compliment Conversion Van

The two-spoke steering wheel is mounted to a tilting column and frames an 80-mph speedometer as well as gauges for fuel level, coolant temperature, oil pressure, and voltage. The five-digit odometer shows 32k miles, approximately 150 of which were added under current ownership.

1978 Chevrolet G20 Compliment Conversion Van

The rear cabin features a convertible couch/bed, a sink, and a cooler as well as an additional single-leg table with cup holders, overhead lighting, pop-out rear windows, and sliding window curtains. Storage compartments are located beneath each couch seat.

1978 Chevrolet G20 Compliment Conversion Van

The 350ci V8 sends power to the rear wheels through a three-speed automatic transmission. Work under current ownership reportedly included an engine tune-up as well as the replacement of the fuel tank and sending unit.

1978 Chevrolet G20 Compliment Conversion Van

Corrosion is visible on various underbody components, and sections of the exhaust system have been replaced.

1978 Chevrolet G20 Compliment Conversion Van

A windshield privacy screen is included in the sale along with a mini television, a General Electric 10 transistor radio, a Spartan chess and checker set, A&W-branded glass mugs, playing cards, manufacturer’s literature, spare eight-track tapes, and a Chevy-branded trucker hat.

Auction Result

Winning Bid USD $40,500 by shuffmauldin
Auction Ended April 20, 2023 at 2:27PM PT
Bids 61
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BaT Essentials

Seller: carguy669
Location: Dayton, Maryland 21036
Listing Details
  • Chassis: CGL258U210560
  • 32k Miles Shown
  • 350ci V8
  • Three-Speed Automatic Transmission
  • Tan Paint w/Brown & Gold Graphics
  • Orange Cloth Upholstery
  • 15" Rally Wheels w/Polished Trim Rings
  • Power Steering
  • Power-Assisted Front Disc Brakes
  • Diamond-Plate Running Boards
  • Rear Ladder
  • Roof Rack
  • Pop-Up Sunroof
  • Four Swiveling Captains Chairs
  • Convertible Couch/Bed
  • Sink & Cooler
  • Two Tables w/Cup Holders
  • Push-Button AM/FM/Eight-Track Stereo
  • Air Conditioning
  • Cruise Control
  • Period Memorabilia
  • Manufacturer's Literature
Private Party or Dealer: Private Party
Lot #104622