In April 1970, GM introduced the third-generation G-series vans as 1971 model-year vehicles. In a complete redesign of the model line, the vans adopted a front-engine configuration (adding a hood to the body). While using a unibody chassis, the third-generation vans derived mechanical components from the second- and third-generation C/K pickup trucks. Initial advertising in 1970 emphasized interior space, with the tagline "Chevrolet launches the space vehicle." It is a nod to the U.S. space program, with the vehicle appearing vertically on page, imitating a rocket launch. In production for 25 years, the third-generation G-series vans became one of the longest-produced vehicle platforms designed by General Motors.
Chassis In line with the two previous generations, the third-generation G-series vans again used unibody construction, integrating the frame rails into the floorpan; the side panels were constructed of a single-piece stamping. The model line was offered three wheelbase lengths: 110 inches, 125 inches, and 146 inches. From 1971 to 1989, the 146-inch wheelbase was used for cutaway chassis; for 1990, a single-rear-wheel version was introduced for an extended-length van body. The front suspension underwent an extensive design change, deleting its leaf-sprung front axle; in line with C-series pickup trucks, the vans received independent front suspension with coil springs and control arms (allowing for much wider spacing of the front wheels The front disc/rear drum configuration remained unchanged throughout the entire production of the model line; heavier-duty vehicles received larger brakes. For 1976, the powertrain line was expanded, with the 292 inline-6 becoming the standard engine in -ton and 1-ton vans; a 305 V8 replaced the 350 two-barrel in -ton vans (becoming an option for both -ton and -ton vans in 1981) and a 400 cubic-inch V8 became offered in and 1-ton vans. As part of the 1978 model update, the powertrain line underwent further revisions, with the 292 six dropped from G-series vans entirely; GM began the use of metric displacement figures. In line with its use in the C/K trucks, the 400 V8 was dropped from the G-series for 1981. For 1982, a 6.2 L V8 became the first diesel engine option offered in the (-ton and 1-ton) G-series. Shared with the C/K pickup trucks, an overdrive version of the Turbo-Hydramatic was introduced, adding a fourth gear. In line with the C/K pickup trucks, a 4.3L V6 replaced the long-running 4.1L inline-6 as the standard engine for 1985. For 1987, the four-barrel carburetor for the V6 was replaced by throttle-body fuel injection (TBI), with the 5.0L and 5.7L V8s following suit. Alongside three-speed and four-speed manual transmissions, the G-series vans were offered with three-speed and four-speed automatic transmissions. For 1988, a fuel-injected 7.4L V8 was introduced as an option for the 3500 series, becoming the first big-block V8 offered for the model line. For 1990, manual transmissions were discontinued and the four-speed automatic became standard equipment on nearly all body configurations; The 5.7L V8 was now standard (dropping the 5.0L altogether), with the 4.3L V6 as an option only on standard-wheelbase vans. The 7.4L V8 and 6.5L diesel V8 remained options.
Body In line with the C/K pickup trucks, the G-series vans were sold in -ton, -ton, and 1-ton series by both Chevrolet and GMC, with both divisions marketing passenger and cargo vans. As part of the shift to a front-engine design layout, the body received a conventional hood, allowing for access to the engine from outside of the vehicle. Through its production, passenger vans were sold in multiple seating configurations (dependent on wheelbase), ranging from 5 to 15 passengers.
1971–1977 The G-series vans differed from one another in divisional badging. Alongside fender badging, Chevrolet badging was centered within the grille while GMC lettering was placed on the hood above the grille. In contrast to the "Action-Line" pickup trucks, the vans are fitted with a horizontal-slat grille. Sharing mechanical commonality with the "Action-Line" pickup trucks, the steering column was sourced from the 1969 update of the C/K series; a large engine cover required a separate design for the dashboard. For 1973, a minor revision changed the color of the Chevrolet "bowtie" emblem from blue to gold. For 1974, the steering column and dashboard were updated (to more closely match the introduction of the "Rounded-Line" C/K pickup trucks). For 1976, the rear bench seats were redesigned in passenger vans, allowing them to be removed without tools. For 1977, a horizontal body line was introduced past the front doors, while fender and rear door badging were updated to match the design of the C/K pickup trucks. Offered on a longer wheelbase, a cutaway-chassis conversion of the G-series was marketed through Chevrolet and GMC as a cargo truck, as the Hi-Cube Van and MagnaVan, respectively.
1978–1982 For 1978, the exterior underwent a revision; along with minor changes to the fenders and the introduction of larger bumpers, the grille was redesigned. More closely matching the "Rounded-Line" C/K pickup trucks in its design, the front fascia was restyled to integrate the headlamps and turn signals into one housing; lower-trim vehicles were offered with round headlamps with square headlamps fitted to higher-trim models. The dashboard was redesigned with recessed gauge pods and an angled center console, a design that would remain in use through 1996. For 1980, the grille saw a minor revision, adopting larger side-view mirrors for the doors. A locking steering column (with column-mounted ignition switch) was introduced for 1982, with the model line relocating the dimmer switch and wiper controls on the turn signal control stalk. As a one-year-only option, GM offered window glass on the left-side rear door (in place of both rear doors or neither).
1983–1991 For 1983, the G-series van underwent a set of minor exterior and interior revisions. Alongside the C/K pickup trucks, the grille was redesigned, with Chevrolet receiving a horizontally-split grille and GMC receiving a 6-segment grille; rectangular headlamps were standard on all vehicles. The vans received updated fender badging, with each division receiving its own design (distinct from the C/K series). While retaining the dashboard from 1978, a new tilt steering column was introduced (sourcing the steering wheel from Chevrolet mid-size sedans), moving the manual transmission shifter from the steering column to the floor. For 1984, the model line introduced a second side-door configuration, with swing-out side doors (in a / -split) joining the sliding side door as a no-cost option. Produced concurrently alongside its GMT600 successor, the final G-series van was produced in June 1996. During the 1980s, the Bonaventure served as an intermediate trim between the Sportvan and the Beauville. From 1977 to 1981, the G-series van carried the
Chevrolet Nomad nameplate (for the final time). A hybrid of the cargo and passenger vans, the five-passenger Nomad combined the interior trim of the Beauville with a large rear cargo area, finished with a paneled interior. The two-seat Caravan variant (produced from 1977 to 1980) was a trim package developed for van customization, fitted with a paneled interior and rubber floor mat, along with a rear roof vent.
Conversion vans were outfitted on a second-party basis. Derived from the cargo van, such vehicles were badged using the Chevy Van/GMC Vandura nameplates.
GMC Offered in 1500, 2500, and 3500 series, the GMC Vandura cargo van and GMC Rally passenger van were the GMC counterparts of the Chevrolet Chevy Van and Sport Van. From 1977 to 1982, the Vandura badging was stylized as GMC VANdura. In line with the GMC Sierra pickup truck, the Rally passenger van was produced across multiple trim levels, with the Rally Custom and Rally STX matching the Bonaventure and Beauville, respectively. Alongside the Chevrolet Nomad, the GMC Gaucho was a five-passenger van with a large cargo area; the GMC Gypsy was a two-passenger package intended for owner customization. Derived from the cargo van, cutaway van chassis were badged as Vanduras (and Chevy Vans). Based exclusively on the 1-ton payload series, the variant was fitted with either a single- or dual-rear-wheel axle. == Fourth generation (1996-present) ==