Car companies commonly use global platforms for their cars these days. It’s a cost-cutting strategy to utilize the same engineering and supply chain regardless of where in the world a car is sold. The vehicles’ underpinnings are shared while the designs are modified for local taste.
The 1973 Chevy Veraneio recently listed on eBay Motors is a great example of a design that was altered for foreign buyers—in this case, for Brazil. It borrows design cues from a Suburban with help from the C-10 parts bin - opens in new window or tab.. The easy flowing lines inspired the Veraneio’s name, which means “summertime” in Portuguese.
The first-generation Veraneio was made in Brazil from 1964 to 1989, with a second-generation version produced until 1994. Adapting an American vehicle for foreign use goes beyond putting the steering on the “right” side of the interior. The adaptions often altered the entire look of the model based on using a blend of parts from different local models and eras.
The four-door Veraneio was a popular family car—and was also used as a police cruiser and ambulance. Some versions allowed for a third bench seat to accommodate more passengers. The tailgate is hinged along the roofline to allow for easy access to the back cargo area. The utility vehicle was built on a truck chassis but keeps its wagon-like feel. The beltline swoops down at the rear to match up with the bottom of the tail lights. The seller’s pictures show a smooth black finish with barely a ripple.
The Veraneio came with economical four- or six-cylinder engines that were easy to maintain. The Veraneio now listed on eBay Motors comes with an in-line six-cylinder and a three-speed manual transmission that shifts on the column—commonly called a “three on the tree.”
A foreign car that’s less than 25 years old - opens in new window or tab. faces serious restrictions from coming into the United States due to federal safety and emissions standards. But cars that are older than 25 years are easier to import. This allows collectors to bring in models that we usually don’t see in the US. The seller reports having a clean Florida title for the Veraneio—so a buyer won’t face concerns from the DMV.
On the other hand, the next owner will need to be ready for a lot of questions about a 1973 Chevrolet-badged utility wagon with unusual styling. “You’d better get used to a crowd forming around you with this car wherever you go,” writes the seller.
This article was originally published on Oct. 19, 2017.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.