For $750, this 1973 Dodge Sportsman Royal is certainly Cheap Wheels. It has its fair share of bruises and bumps, and it runs, but doesn’t stop due to a quirky brake problem. It was the top-of-the-line passenger van in the 1970s, and the seller has owned “Rodger” for the past 16 years. The things that need fixing may not be big issues as long as you have the know-how to repair it yourself or have a good friend who works for cheap. Located in Seattle, Washington, this old people mover is available here on craigslist. Gotta thank “Curvette” for another Mopar tip.
The first generation of the Dodge B-Series vans arrived in 1971 (and ran through 1978). Two versions were offered, the Tradesman (a panel cargo van) and the Sportsman (a passenger van with windows). Different wheelbases and payloads were marketed, with the people van came in three trim levels: Sportsman, Custom Sportsman, and Royal Sportsman (like this one), which was trimmed out like a Dodge Royal Monaco sedan.
Compliments must go to the seller as his listing is the most detailed and honest I’ve seen here on Barn Finds for a $750 vehicle. The pros and the cons (especially these) are described in detail, perhaps because the buyer won’t be able to do a test drive because the brake pedal is stuck in the “on position” (in other words, it’s engaged and won’t unstick). The seller has owned this van since 2010 and presumes it has 133,000 miles, as the odometer has surely turned over. A 360 cubic inch V8 is onboard with an automatic transmission.
A lot of folks name their cars, and owner Matt named this one “Rodger” – and I’m sure if you contact him, he can tell you why. It’s a 12-passenger van, which would be perfect for a budget airport shuttle service. Matt last drove this Dodge about a year ago, as that’s when the brake pedal went wacky after a shade tree mechanical repair failed to hold. The carburetor needs to be rebuilt, and the automatic choke is “fussy.” The van has a few other ills that we hope will entice you to read the entire listing posted by the seller. Be sure to have a bona fide way to get the van home, as a “rope tied to a friend’s car won’t cut it.”
Worth a flier for $750 💁♂️
Looks like if you want this you’re gonna have to bring one of those things with a flat bed and 2-4 wheels that are towed by other vehicles (I forget what they’re called) to put it on. (I’ll see myself out)
What’s going to happen to the person living in this van?
He comes with the van; that’s why it’s so cheap.
Man I ‘d love getting this but shipping to Michigan would cost a small fortune
great price. should not last too long on there. would be great truck with some time invested into it
One of my suppliers had one with the same setup. Same color and dark tinted windows. They used it for whatever and it had a distasteful name. “The child molester van. ” They purchased it cheap as a temporary vehicle. But it kept running strong (even with their admitted abuse) for over 12 years. It’s death was a,”T-bone” from a red light running drunk.
I just got rid of my 72′ Dodge Sportsman Royal B300 5 years ago , which I bought new for $5,800, Almost a $1,000 less then a 440 six pack or 426 Hemi. This van is missing a lot of parts, as in the trim, Intier and exterior. The roof panels have been taken down and the insulation removed. If the van was a little closer, I may give it a try. I’m in Florida. The 360 was the top motor in the day for this van. I installed a 70′ 340 in mine.
Dodge positioned the side doors farther back to make access to the third and fourth seat easier. I like the push-pull control for the heat and defrost.
My family had the ’75 Plymouth Voyager version of this van. It certainly wasn’t “Royal” anything, but I do recall it was the longest version that was available. We had the 2 buckets in front and 2 3 passenger benches, Enough space to hall the 8 person family. It also still had enough room in the back for us to lay back there and watch a portable B&W TV that my Dad hooked up for our trips from MA to FL.