Marvin the Martian (pictured all over this van) is a character from old Warner Brothers cartoons, best remembered for trying to destroy the earth with his “Illudium Q-36 Explosive Space Modulator” and being thwarted by Bugs Bunny or Daffy Duck before “the big kaboom” happens. This spacious van (see what I did there?) can be seen in Cardiff by the Sea, California and is being auctioned here on eBay with no reserve. Bidding has just passed $2,000, so if the price stays low you might be able to snag a bargain!
The seller tells us that the van has been “hidden away in storage for years” and that its “custom heavy sparkle metal flake paint” is ok but is starting to deteriorate in places, especially on the roof. However, what do you expect at this price? I sure think this could be a lot of fun! The seller says park it in front of your business for publicity.
There are some interesting design choices here, such as the tail lights. This is one case where I think the original round versions would have been better. You can also see the neat side pipes under the running boards–one way to keep folks from burning themselves on them. As the van has a straight six, though, I wonder how they made them functional (the seller says it sounds great).
The inside of this van defies description. With everything but the kitchen sink included, even a non-functional 1980s computer, what more can I say. Just look around, and be prepared to clean things carefully if you are interested in spending any time back here. Just sayin’.
We have no pictures of the engine to show you, but it’s under there somewhere. We’re told it’s a six that runs well, and that the clutch and transmission work as well as the brakes, although the tires are old and cracked and the seller recommends going through the van before driving it any long distances. So what do you think? Does the kaboom do it for you?
“Abducted & probed by aliens”? Right, you’re grounded!
The van parked in front of this one is the keeper.
Definitely the van in front is the one to have.
Probably did the show circuit back in the 70’s. Might be in an old magazine somewhere.
My buddy had the slightly longer version With 8 doors and 13 windows. We shoe horned a 390 intercepter in place of the 200 i6 it was a bit tight (the valve covers were touching the seats) Got it running and moving but we never finished the project.
I’m guessing that you didn’t finish because you ran out of beer?
The Eleventh Commandment: Thou shalt not run out of beer!
This thing is relentlessly nuts.
There are so few of these ’60s/ ’70s F-trucks around and absolutely no decent platforms on which to build them today. The best of these were truly amazing. I had a 1976 Dodge Maxi-van with huge western murals, a built-in queen sized bed, velour walls, a rolled and tucked ceiling, 2 sunroofs, a keg cooler, secret compartments, 1400 watts and an infinity mirror. I had to borrow my mom’s car to pick up dates because dads would not let their daughters date guys who drove vans….for good reason. I get all clouded up just thinking about it. :-)
I think this van is a good starting point. To make it nice and presentable it will need everything. The short box body with solid side doors is a plus. You really need the rear windows to see. Most 1960s panel vans were used as a commercial vehicle and by the time the 70’s and 80’s rolled around were all used up. This van could be on it’s third or fourth “fix up”
Defiantly not digging the cartoons. I like Marvin on TV not on my van which could attract the wrong attention. I could see a David Mann mural or something from Frank Frezzetta painted on the side tho
Absolutely on the Frezzetta artwork. My 1976 Dodge van was covered in copies of his work.
“Want some candy little girl?”