Finding a true 1970s van that hasn’t been gutted, rodded, or endlessly repainted is getting tougher every year, but this 1976 Dodge B200 Camper Van is the real deal. Listed here on eBay with a clean title and just one owner from new, this untouched survivor features Dodge’s reliable 318 V8, a Torqueflite automatic, and all the shag-carpeted glory you’d expect from a boogie van of this era. Located in California, bidding has already drawn attention from vintage van enthusiasts looking for an authentic time capsule.
From the outside, this van looks every bit the part of a vintage road tripper. The body is solid with no major rust issues reported, aside from a small blister at the front window. The undercarriage and panels are clean, and the original paint with period striping still wears its decades-old patina. Webbed mag wheels and raised white-letter tires finish off the stance in true 1970s fashion.
Step inside and it’s like opening the door to a rolling disco. The van retains its original camper interior, complete with plush shag carpeting, swivel captain’s chairs, a kitchenette with sink and fridge, and a fold-out dinette that converts into a bed. The seller notes that the original panels are intact, and even the interior lights still function. Best of all, the factory 8-track player and surround-sound speakers still work, letting you cruise with era-correct tunes.
Mechanically, the 318 reportedly starts right up on the first try, running strong without smoke or leaks. The 727 automatic transmission shifts smoothly, and the van remains roadworthy. The lights and signals work, though some small quirks remain: the A/C blower is functional but doesn’t blow cold, the wiper motor engages without moving, and the power window switches are present but not operational. Still, for nearly fifty years old, that’s not a bad list of complaints.
Unique touches like the diamond-shaped side window make this van stand out as a period custom. It even comes with its rare original pink slip and is currently on non-op registration, meaning no back fees for the next owner. For collectors, retro travelers, or anyone who grew up in the “vannin’” era, this Dodge offers a genuine blast from the past without the need for major restoration.
Have you ever owned a shag-carpeted camper van from the 1970s, or would this survivor tempt you to step back into the custom van scene?
“Lookin’ for fun and feelin’,,,,groovy”. I never knew that song was called “59th St. Bridge Song”, I’ve been thinking about some sort of getaway vehicle( getaway from what?) and I’ve ruled out any kind of traffic clogging, can’t see around camper or motorhome, and associating with the possible ilk that lives in them, but maybe a custom van? If you are willing to be seen in this, perhaps there’s some merit there. I mean, do scumbags drive older custom vans?
Since the author doesn’t list the prices in any of her posts, which could be a good thing, but most look anyway,, $2750,,,yep, that’s it, so clearly no real interest, and these era Dodges are just the best, hmm, maybe a custom van is the ticket. Where’s the CB radio???
“Hello darkness my old friend” you would be singing with that low roof Howard.
I had a LWB one just like this in “Bright Yellow”, just without windows, and with white spoke wheels, 60 series Radial T/As and minus the garish interior and exterior of this vehicle. I sold it after six years for more than I paid for it. I enjoyed that vehicle a lot, taking it on several cross country road trips- it never required any repairs. Alas, it was time to grow up, so I replaced it with a Volvo 145 wagon. The party’s over!
I had a LWB one just like this in “Bright Yellow”, just without windows, and with white spoke wheels, 60 series Radial T/As and minus the garish interior and exterior of this vehicle. I sold it after six years for more than I paid for it. I enjoyed that vehicle a lot, taking it on several cross country road trips- it never required any repairs. Alas, it was time to grow up, so I replaced it with a Volvo 145 wagon. The party’s over!
uncle Ricco’s ride
That’s what I was thinking https://youtu.be/Bcin4i_KsOA?si=_eM6nOnIh7oJc8pU
Not quite an Uncle Rico van – his was a true raised roof camper – but certainly has the vibe.
Story of how that van made it into the movie: the director spotted it as it was driving by the shooting location in Idaho and flagged the driver down. They let him use it in the movie for free.
Ever tear out the old carpet on a house and find all the dirt and grime under the carpet I can imagine that would be true here as well either way it would be a cool ride to have.
This is so cool. I think it would look better if the diamond bubble window was at the top rear quarter and without those slider windows.
WOW….why don’t you guys say what you mean & not beat around the bush….lol
My parents had a 76 Tradesman 300 long version. It rusted awzy here in the Northeast. I thought of Napolean Dynamite when I saw this one. Wild. Ours wasn’t fixed up inside but this one brings back memories.
I ordered and bought a 76 Dodge van with a 440 engine, murals pained on the side, and shag carpeted interior. Quite a runner!
“This listing was ended by the seller on Sat, Aug 23 at 9:34 PM because the item is no longer available.”