Great information and food for thought, thanks all. My reference point might explain a few things... Had a 4cyl/5spd manual cargo shortie Aero [1986] had to let it go 13 years ago as I only have one parking space. Migrated to a 3 cylinder Geo Metro for commuting that has served me well but is now on last legs.

The Aero needed a $500 front steering part, there was one left on the shelf somewhere in Texas. I balked and went with the Metro.

3 guys in that van pulling a small trailer full of band equipment: NO PROBLEM. No AC, look under the hood it was a sight to behold. Reach in with one arm and just about touch the back of the motor, completely see the ground around both sides looking down.

Severely regret losing that van. I do believe if one like that showed up that someone had insanely maintained and had a huge stockpile of spare parts I'd buy it in a heartbeat. I'd think about having it extended somehow, I need a little bit more space. Maybe one of those platforms you can put in a tow receiver, but I don't like things outside the van. Have the back of a junked cargo with bay doors welded/spliced onto it.

What I really want [only in an alternate universe where I'm a mechanic and have a huge heated garage] is a 1950s/early 60s International Harvester Metro rounded body style step van with the beastly straight 6 motor. Not gonna happen!