The A100 was a “shorty” van built by Dodge from 1964 to 1970. With a wheelbase of just 90 inches, it was popular first as a commercial delivery vehicle and later as a beach van with teenagers (shades of “Scooby Do!”). They were a “cab-over” design, meaning the seats were over the front axle and the engine sat between them. This 1967 example was once a phone company van and later part of the equipment arsenal of a fire department.
Dodge created the A100 (and its longest wheelbase companion, the A108) to compete with the likes of the Ford Econoline and other vehicles using a cab-over layout. Not only was the vehicle built as a van, but pickup versions were also sold. Sitting behind the wheel of one of these may have taken getting used to because the front nose was as flat as a pancake. Most A100s came with Chrysler’s venerable Slant Six engine and that’s what’s in the seller’s retired van. At one -point, annual production numbers approached 40,000 units.
As the story goes, this forgotten workhorse was in the employ of Pacific Northwest Bell Telephone and was painted drab green. When it joined a firehouse, it was painted red. Some of both colors are left, but most are gone now from extended exposure to the Sun. The vehicle was well-used as the odometer has turned over at least once. It apparently hasn’t run in ages as grass and underbrush have grown up around it in Mountain Rest, South Carolina.
Rust is described as not being a major problem, but some is present. And the vehicle doesn’t run with no indication as to why it was parked long ago. We’re told it’s complete, so everything should be there (including bent bumpers) to start a restoration. Some documentation has survived, such as the owner’s manual, and a few parts will go with the sale, too. This Scooby Doo Mystery Van wannabe is available here on craigslist for $3,500. Hats off to Chuck Foster for this cool tip!
I’d really like to get my ’69 Sportsman back on the road again, but at this late stage I’ll probably end up selling it. It was a /6 originally, but ultimately it received a 340 c.i. heart transplant to go w/ the 727 auto. The picture is from back in the glory days! Hope someone restores this one. GLWTS!! :-)
Glory days indeed. One of the coolest vans ever. Thanks for sharing the pics!
Love that van! What does it need? Have you considered what you would want to get for it? Thanks.
A BIG pile of pictures of dead presidents, LOL! It’s been parked under shelter for the past 20+ years and would need a total restoration. I’ve not really devoted any thought concerning selling, but Thanks for asking! :-)
Nothing like sitting over the front wheels …
I can see old vans becoming more desirable; we have a new “Low Emission Zone” here – but! vehicles over 30 years old are exempt. Things like this, Citroen H vans, Bedford CFs and old Transits might find a new use.
It’s a bit dear, I think, for something dumped in a field years ago. Half that?
I think I saw this van, cruising the neighborhood, with “Free Puppies” spray painted on the side, round about 1979.
The A100, along with its rival, the Ford Econoline, has the unmitigated distinction as being the 1st hippy shaggin’ wagons. The reason was, in the 60s, just about every municipality used these vans. Phone company, gas company, electric, all used vans for service units. They saw a lot of miles and were replaced regularly, hence creating a glut of used vans, perfect for our, um, changing times. There was a dealer in Milwaukee, Goodnetter, that always had no less than 20 vans on the lot. $500 bucks, take your pick. I had a friend with one, a panel, no windows, and a 318. I can say without reservation, it remains the most miserable vehicles I’ve ever ridden in. The engine cover, that doubled as a 3rd seat, was hot, it handled poorly, rattled and shook, but by golly, it was home for some, hopefully not your daughters date. Pops always got a bit nervous, her date having a van. ( turns out, he was a great kid) I see absolutely no current interest in this. Those column shifters wore terribly, and stories of them jamming are common. Make a nice tool shed out back still,,,
There is a old van like this sitting kinda in a field on HWY 12 outside of Pomeroy Washington if you can buy it you can build twins with time I don’t have this would be a fun build
Would make a cool looking
Shrooby Dooby Doo van as the cartoon series had an A100 in it
I see its listed as manual trans ((??????)))
LOOKS automatic from my seat~~!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYcEalfFbhY
I had a 72′ Dodge van during high school. My dates had to meet me a block away from their homes or it was a “NO” date. LOL My sister had a 67′ van as this one, but it was not a fun vehicle to drive. The reason I bought the 72′, night and day ride. Just sold it 3 years ago. Also had the 340 motor.
VW vans had you sitting out over the front wheels as well. But with those, the engine was in the back, and anything to be done power wise was like a ship. [Full Speed Ahead] CHING CHING [Full Speed Ahead] CHING CHING
The shifter was sloppy, islands neutral around islands of first, second, third, fourth a d reverse.
What an experience. This certainty would have its own idiosyncrasies.
junk
I had one with a 273 and auto in 1969-1970. Used to make trips from Vermont to NYC. It was fun!