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 💁♂️