Just the other day, I showed you a Denali paired with a vintage Chevy van. Here’s something in a similar vein, right down the color of the SUV. And the Mitsubishi van has its engine between the front seats just like the old Chevy Sportvan. The only thing missing is the custom paint. There’s still a couple of these Mitsus running around here, including the famous Van-Up. Seen any in your town lately?
I am trying to remember if I have ever seen one of these Mitsu vans in my town EVER.
I’ve never seen any Mitsu vans like this in the U.S., but I rode in one of similar vintage in St. Lucia. It was very awkward to get in and out of.
There are many similar ones running around here in northern Alberta, but they are all RHD Delicas. They are extremely popular with the extreme sports crowd and the diesels are apparently very good on fuel as well.
My Uncle Ted (from whom my middle name comes from) in Tennessee had a couple of these. His first one was a conversion van, made by I think Roman Wheels. He drove it for quite a while. It made a lot of trips to Florida and back. I remember packing about seven or eight of us in it and taking off up into the mountains. It was slow but it made it.
I have seen a total of 2 of the Mitsu vans, both were passenger models and owned by the same person. Anybody remember the trio of these Japanese vans? There was the Mitsu, the Toyota, and the Nissan, all called “Van” I believe. The Toyotas are still roaming around, but I’ve only ever seen 1 Nissan, apparently most got bought back for engine issues.
The Mitsubishi van is still on sale over here, complete with 1 star crash rating
It has been years since I’ve seen one on the road. The last one I specifically remember seeing is one that was a delivery vehicle for a local engine rebuilder over 10 years ago. I was shocked to see one then and even more shocked to see it being used in such service.
I rented one of these Star Wagons the last time we moved apartments. Having grown up with US Vanduras/Econolines/Ram Vans, the Mitsu was great fun–engine doubling as a front seat warmer/massager, nautical sensations sitting over the front axle, and narrow and nimble enough to negotiate Melbourne traffic like a champ. I didn’t want to hand back the keys.
I snapped a Delica driving through Peoria last year. Does that count? (Edit – this is a newer generation van obviously)