One could argue that there are only so many ways to style a box on wheels. Their owners, however, may disagree. And they may have a point; there are many unforgettable van classics after all –a few lines and touches here and there, and you can go from mundane to memorable. What better way to put that idea to the test than by checking out these recent van finds, uploaded to the CC Cohort by Ralf K (Don Kincl), one of our favorite contributors.
Our first subject, the always photogenic VW Bus. A characterful late T1, no less; and while this one probably has a more sedate life than it used to, look closely and you’ll see this is no garage queen. The paint has enough chips up front to show that it gets road use.
Another view? Sure. This was found in Tacoma, and it (obviously) belongs to a VW fan who also owns a 1951 Beetle.
Let’s move forward, chronologically, with a 1960s Ford Econoline. With all the exposed seams and rust patches being fixed on this one, not sure if it’s a homemade creation or a Super Van Camper version being “restored.” Whatever the case, Paul covered the Econoline’s Super Van Camper a while ago; a chapter worth revisiting.
It’s Dodge and 1970s time now, with a Tradesman 100.
When VW went from roundish to boxy, it did so unabashedly. This Vanagon is also a Westfalia, with a Syncro setup (VW speak for 4WD) and that Subaru logo, apparently, is not there by whim; this Westafalia’s power supposedly comes from a Subie engine. Boxers of the world unite?
We’ll close in the 1980s, with another Dodge in long-wheelbase form. Minivans were the thing in that decade, but for the traditionalist, these RWD haulers still had their appeal even in the Pentastar camp. Clearly, they still do to this day.
I like all of these .
I spent a lots of road time daily in an early Ford Econoilne, the cheapo one with zero inside trim but three rows of seats .
If was like riding inside a snare drum .
Also hot in Summer and freezing in Winter, no radio, at least it _always_ started and ran except that -one- day it spit the driveshaft due to a non greaseable U-Joint snapping .
That nice ’67 VW is a Typ II, not a Typ I .
-Nate
When it comes to styling a box on wheels, Dodge gets the win !
Something about those first generation VW vans is just so iconic, so perfect, so right. Brings a tear to your eyes. I just love seeing them and I swear there are more on the road today than 20 years ago.
But at least here in the US they really weren’t that good. We (I?) expected to drive them at 70 all day long in 100F temps. Bounce along dirt roads almost requiring 4WD because they could. They weren’t good at either of those things. At least not if you wanted them to last. They were good at carrying crazy heavy loads, at low speeds in town, as they were used for in Europe.
Having had a couple, I love seeing them on the road today, but outside of maybe a 5 minute drive, I have no desire to have one. Absolutely zero. Less than zero even. They just weren’t up to 70 MPH speed limits, among other things.
A friend had a similar econoline in dark blue and white.. Our group went to a local bar and won a case of beer on an old bowling machine that you actually rolled a ball down it.. We loaded in the van and went to a local park and polished off the case… Also camped out in it at Lake Minnewaska ny… The good old fun days…!!!