loading
reading
writing
saving
searching
1974 GMC Vandura Glascon High-Top Camper – ~49,000 Miles – Conversion - $9,950
1974
GMC Vandura
QR Code Link to This Post
Price: $9,950 USD — open to reasonable offers
Location: Calgary, AB (just north of the Montana border)
VIN: TGY154U516847
I am the third owner of this 1974 GMC Vandura 1500 with an old-school Glascon fiberglass high-top camper conversion. The Van has approximately 49,000 miles, which I believe to be original based on its condition and my ownership history. It has the original 350 Small Block V8 and TH350 automatic transmission. The Van runs and drives well with excellent reliability, has great interior height, and carries the charm of a classic 1970s camper. It can be enjoyed as-is or taken on as a light restoration project.
Reason for Sale: Relocating out of the country and no longer using The Van regularly.
________________________________________
Key Features
• ~49,000 miles (believed original)
• Original Chevrolet 350 SBC (Casting No. 3970010)
• Original TH350 automatic transmission
• Glascon fiberglass high-top (interior height approx. 6'2")
• Starts easily and drives well
• Rear suspension upgraded with a 5+2 leaf pack — great for camping weight, gear, and stability
• Tow hitch with Tekonsha Voyager brake controller
• Shore power hookup with a 110V outlet next to the sink (not tested recently)
• Winterized undercoating protection and insulated interior
• Stored outdoors; driven occasionally for maintenance and short highway runs
• Original owner’s manual in good condition. Appliance manuals included.
• Not used as a daily driver
________________________________________
Interior & Camper Setup
Inside, The Van retains a classic 1970s camper layout:
• Dinette seats four and converts to a 2-person bed
• Three-burner stove
• Dometic fridge (Model RM211)
• Olympian catalytic heater (Model 3100)
• High-top includes sliding windows with screens and a roof vent for ventilation (6’2” interior)
• Approx. 1.5 m³ of enclosed storage across cabinets, drawers, and overhead compartments
• Curved wood paneling with a clean interior smell
• Black-and-white checkered vinyl flooring with metal edging
• Vinyl chalkboard trim around the high-top perimeter
• Sink with manual pump and gray-water tub
• Rear swing doors were sealed with winterization
• Pre-wired ceiling light in kitchenette (fixture not installed)
• Two legal front seats with belts; rear dinette used only for seating/bed
• Dinette/bench upholstery is worn and will need redoing
• Propane system has not been used or tested
________________________________________
Mechanical Condition
• Smooth idle; no stalling or hesitation
• Runs cool; no overheating
• Shifts properly
• No unusual engine noises
• Flexplate and starter assembly recently replaced
• Washer pump needs replacing (wipers work)
• Cannot shift into Park — the shifter-column detent is seized (a column issue, not a transmission issue)
• Master cylinder is leaking internally into the booster and should be replaced
• Engine designed for unleaded gasoline; factory labeling recommends 91 octane
These items are reflected in the asking price.
________________________________________
Exterior Condition
• Crimson Red repaint with older protective film
• Rust-through on passenger rear fender; small-area scale rust on driver rear fender
• Other minor surface rust spots as photographed
• Frame rails and rocker panels remain solid
• High-top exterior has minor repairs
• Passenger side mirror is tarnishing
• One chip in the windshield
• Matching tires with good tread
________________________________________
Driving
• Tracks straight; steering feels tight
• No wandering or vibration at highway speeds
• Brakes feel normal aside from the booster/master cylinder issue
• No fuel smells
• Electrical system works properly
• Consistently reliable for short drives and maintenance runs
________________________________________
For U.S. Buyers
As a 1974 model, The Van qualifies under the U.S. 25-year import rule and is exempt from modern DOT and EPA requirements aside from basic paperwork. The engine and emissions setup are original-type and meet EPA criteria for vehicles of this age.
Calgary is about 3 hours from the Sweetgrass, MT / Coutts, AB border crossing. A simple bill of sale will be provided. Many U.S. buyers report that the import process is quick when documents are prepared, though timing can vary.
Odometer is in miles.
________________________________________
Price
$14,000 CAD — open to reasonable offers
Approx. $9,950 USD (based on current exchange rates)
No trades
Serious inquiries only
________________________________________
Viewing
The Van can be viewed in Calgary by appointment.
Additional photos or a walk-around video are available upon request.