Looking back to look forward

Thus small-sized commercial vans – ideally suited for negotiating cramped city streets – literally served as “mobile grocery stores” for urban denizens.

GM, of course, crafted several platforms specifically designed for such “mobile grocery store” operators.

Thirteen years later, GM unveiled the Chevrolet Canopy Express with in two versions: the 3100 Series half-ton (seen at right) and 3800 Series one-ton.

The OEM pointed out that heavier-duty 3800 sported a low rear tailgate and waterproof roll-up curtains, allowing food sellers back then easier access and better protection for their products.

A now, in a way, we’ve come full circle with the rise in popularity of food trucks bringing back some of that mobile-grocery mojo to our day and time.

Of course, the renaissance now occurring in the U.S. van market revolves around a lot more than giving food vendors a better, more efficient ride. It’s about re-inventing, in a way, a light commercial vehicle platform to better fit the needs of business today – better fuel economy and tighter turning radius yet married to in many cases more capability than ever before.

It sure makes for an interesting ride – both from a modern and historical perspective alike.