1977 GMC VANdura 4x4

TLG357U518434

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Rare 4-Wheel-Drive: 1977 GMC VANdura 35 Please wait a few moments while our high-resolution photos load. As early as 1925 we can find optional 4-wheel drive on some Ford Model Ts. Mouse Over the Photos to Enlarge. From the late 1930s on it was offered by selected vehicle manufacturers on trucks, which made a lot of sense for pickups that reside on a farm or remote ranch or operate in regions with harsh winters. But a van with 4-wheel drive? Who would need such a vehicle? Very few folks, indeed, which is why a 4x4 van has remained a rare bird. If you need one, finding one is like hitting the lottery jackpot. Finding one that's four decades old and is as beautifully preserved as the VANdura on offer here is virtually impossible. Hailing from Santa Barbara, California, this '77 GMC VANdura 35 featuring the PATHFINDER 4x4 option is so rare, we hadn't even heard of another one until now. Scouring the vast Internet, we came up empty-handed, too. The PATHFINDER 4x4 option allows driving in regular 2-wheel drive mode, 4-wheel drive for inclement weather, and reduced gear 4-wheel drive for off-roading under difficult conditions. Manufactured in July of 1977, VIN *TLG357U518434* has been a California van all its life. Built on GM's heavy duty 125" wheelbase 1-ton platform, it comes well-equipped, as evidenced by the factory Service Parts Identification label that's beautifully preserved and still attached to the inside of the hood. Originally born with Chevy's 350 cu.in. small block, this van just had a brand new 350 crate engine installed, featuring an Edelbrock Performer intake manifold and Edelbrock Performer 600cfm carburetor. Engine is mated to the tough TH400 automatic transmission and features power steeering and power brakes, with discs up front. Brake booster and master cylinder have just been replaced. VANdura's body is as straight as they come. Nary a ding, certainly no dents, scrapes or scratches, nor any prior accidents mar its smooth flanks. Miraculously, this California van has remained 100% free of any corrosion! Ordered from the factory in Cardinal Red, the merciless California sun had caused some fading to the factory paint, so the VANdura was treated to a quality repaint, exterior only. Door jambs, engine compartment and all of the interior still feature factory original paint -- and it is beautifully preserved! Simple dash layout reminds us of a better time, before the advent of multitudes of switches for electronic devices, when wiring looms didn't have the diameter of a wrestler's arm, and when fixing things was actually rather easy and didn't require going to the dealer for a plug-in analysis of the vehicle's well-being. Here, you have everything you need, nothing you don't! Both seats are still original and show some wear, again mainly from sun exposure. We like the red covers with contrasting houndstooth inserts. If you feel differently, new seat covers would be readily available from a multitude of sources. VANdura owes its "A-Team" stance to its unique PATHFINDER 4 x4 layout. Power is transferred to the front axle via a 205 transfer case. The van has 8-lug HD axles with a 4.09 rear differential ratio and freewheeling hubs up front. Monroe gas shocks and new B.F.G. All Terrain tires in the dimension 33-12.50 x 16.5 on all four corners round out things, suspension-wise. Large sliding door opens to an unbelievably clean cargo compartment. I assume the van was owned by a down pillow factory, as nothing has ever marred the cargo floor. You would be the first to transport your off-road bikes or surf boards in here! A classic VANdura. Chrome bumpers and grille were factory options, too. Van is also equipped with a towing package. Swing open the wide rear doors and be amazed! No partitions, hooks for bungee cords, wood panels, or any other modifications have altered the "as delivered" appearance. We dare you to find another van of this vintage that's as unmolested inside as this one! As you'd expect, the undercarriage is super clean and rust free, even showing the red-orange factory primer in places. But how does it drive? Monday, July 18, was just another perfect day here in VANtura. The van starts at the first turn of the key, idles smoothly and, after moving the gear selector to 2-High, is able to hold its own on the fast-moving California freeways. Seating is elevated, resulting in great visibility. Shifting into 4-High has no merit in sunny Southern California, unless you're heading up the mountain to ski paradise Big Bear Lake, in the middle of winter. Put the lever into 4-Low, and you'll be able to climb up a wall. Well, almost. This 39-year-old GMC VANdura 4x4 is the ultimate in stylish vanning, especially if your lifestyle has been informed by classic movies like Bruce Brown's On any Sunday or David Elfick's Crystal Voyager. It's super rare, collectible, very practical, and ready to be enjoyed! Final bonus: a stout luggage rack! You are most welcome and encouraged to view this fine automobile in Ventura, by appointment, during the auction, or have someone inspect it for you. Please, perform your due diligence before you bid. Please, note that this car is currently advertised on our Web site and on display in our Showroom. We reserve the right to accept a satisfactory offer and close this auction at any time. Please, direct all inquiries to bill@californiaclassix.com or call us at 805-653-5551. TERMS OF SALE By bidding in this auction, you declare that you have read and accept the Terms of this Sale as outlined below. If you have any questions, please ask them before you bid. After the auction has ended, the sale is final. Please, only bid on this van if you are serious about owning it and have the necessary funds readily available! We require a $1,000 deposit to be paid via PayPal within 24 hours of the end of the auction and the balance to be paid via bank wire transfer (or in cash) within 5 business days, unless other arrangements have been agreed upon during the auction. The car comes with a clear California Certificate of Title. It is sold "as is, where is" with no warranty stated or implied. Mileage stated above is the current odometer reading. License plates shown for photographic purposes only. You fully understand that you are not bidding on an "option to buy" this vehicle. You bid to own! There are no contingencies. We ship worldwide. Copyright © 1999-2016 by Californiaclassix.com™. All Rights Reserved. Californiaclassix.com™ is a Registered Trademark. E-mail inquiries to the Webmaster.