Car-based panel vans - what happened to them?

[Alheych]

There was a time when car-based panel vans were all over Singapore.

 

I remember Corollas and Datsuns making the bulk of them. Some time in the late 1990s they disappeared altogether. However, they did not actually go out of production. Some models are still available in Japan and Europe, and even Mini has a panel van.

 

Anyone knows what happened? Was it because of certain regulations, or they just somehow went out of favour?

 

A KE70 Corolla panel van, used to be a common sight in Singapore.

 

A MINI panel van, recent generation.

 

Vauxhall Astra panel van, from 2006.

Edited June 23, 2014 by Alheych

[Kb27]

They became MPV and SUV, but owners won't like to call them van.

[Benarsenal]

Wah. My mum used to have that Corolla van.

 

I think because nowadays people more fussy. Those who buy van are those who really need the space, so won't find these car-based vans useful. They rather a full-sized van like Hiace or Urvan, if not smaller proper vans like Kangoo or Berlingo (which also got plenty of space).

[Vega]

 

this one can consider panel van?

 

 

[Vhtfhwlego]

VW type 3.

http://www.sgcarmart.com/used_cars/info_photos.php?ID=367988&CUR=1#photo

 

 

this one can consider panel van?

 

 

Nope.

Need to remove doors and windows to be consider as panel-car.

[Nzy]

Might as well get estate.

[Super7]

VW type 3.

367988_2b.jpg

http://www.sgcarmart.com/used_cars/info_photos.php?ID=367988&CUR=1#photo

 

 

Nope.

Need to remove doors and windows to be consider as panel-car.

This VW wagon is rear-engined, very unique.

Daihatsu had mid-engined small vans at one time, also unique.

Might as well get estate.

Panel vans provide privacy for the goods behind, estates don't.

 

In Australia, panel vans made by Holden/Ford are znged to have lounge-like interiors at the back, some are nick-named Sin-Bins.

[Vhtfhwlego]

This VW wagon is rear-engined, very unique.

Daihatsu had mid-engined small vans at one time, also unique.

 

Panel vans provide privacy for the goods behind, estates don't.

 

In Australia, panel vans made by Holden/Ford are znged to have lounge-like interiors at the back, some are nick-named Sin-Bins.

Not only rear engine but also rear wheel drive.

[Baal]

Not only rear engine but also rear wheel drive.

OT : recalled some 10yrs back, there was a very brief trend of the vintage beetle w above config, but using oversized tyres that extends beyond the wheel arches.

 

I was still riding then, ...was talking to a friend & was told dont play play with those, they are actually using porky engines...... but the trend disappeared very quickly...

 

These days are mpv, estate & wagon instead. A more hip version I guess.

[Alheych]

Might as well get estate.

 

but all these vans could be registered as G-plate, can't do that with an estate.

 

now G-plate also can have glass panel, so shouldn't there be an even greater incentive to get such a "van", put glass panels (without doors) on it and use it like a normal car? there should still be some price difference from a car.

[Volvobrick]

My dad had a couple of the Datsun panel vans before. First thing he did was to move the interior barrier separating the cargo comparment 1 foot backwards, so that we could put some cushions and use the van like a 2-door coupe!

 

Things we did to save a few dollars back in the 70's and 80's!

[Super7]

OT : recalled some 10yrs back, there was a very brief trend of the vintage beetle w above config, but using oversized tyres that extends beyond the wheel arches.

 

I was still riding then, ...was talking to a friend & was told dont play play with those, they are actually using porky engines...... but the trend disappeared very quickly...

 

These days are mpv, estate & wagon instead. A more hip version I guess.

I think you are referring to putting Porsche flat four engine into the wide body Classic VW Beetles. Some overseas owners even put Subaru WRX boxer engine in these Beetles.

[Benarsenal]

I think got some PI brought in this car. It looks like a normal station wagon but can register as G plate. I think it's called the Probox.

 

 

[Opel17]

Those car-based vans have limited cargo space and low ceiling. Inconvenient to load/unload goods from the inner section.

[Opel17]

Those car-based vans have limited cargo space and low ceiling. Inconvenient to load/unload goods from the inner section.

And they lack the side sliding doors.

[Alheych]

I think got some PI brought in this car. It looks like a normal station wagon but can register as G plate. I think it's called the Probox.

 

 

yes, there were a few probox-es in Singapore.

 

but i don't think it would have been worthwhile registering them as G-plate. COE for cars were low back then, and to register a 5-door as a G-plate would mean paying addtional for GPV (goods cum passenger vehicle), which makes things frighteningly expensive (just look at how much a Land Rover Defender 5-door or Hilux 4-door would cost).

 

found one on the archives: http://www.sgcarmart.com/used_cars/info.php?ID=208536

[Danymic2000]

Looking for van forums here. Anybody know of any where I can meet other van owners...

[Keira]

Looking for van forums here. Anybody know of any where I can meet other van owners...

 

Here you go:

 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/110941490283/