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Easy Rider Van: 1974 Dodge Tradesman

Few things are cooler than a vintage van sporting a period-correct paint job that just screams the era it hails from and the history that made it. The original owner was an active motocross rider and used the van to haul his bike to and from events, and the original paintwork even features a Husqvarna Husky bike on the driver’s side. The seller notes that after the motocross career ended and life with a wife and children took hold, the van went into storage beginning in 1981, not being extricated until 2019. Lots of deferred maintenance has been addressed to make it usable as a fair-weather driver, but there’s more to be done. Find it here on eBay with multiple bids to just over $1,700.

The overall design just screams the period in which Easy Rider was a cultural phenomenon, even more so when factoring in that this was used for motocross events (OK, not the same thing as Wyatt and Billy riding across country visiting hostels and indulging on LSD, but a different era when life was a bit simpler.) The van could likely tell a tale or two about going to competitive events and camping out track-side, a mobile retreat after being beaten up by triple jumps all day. Not surprisingly, the Dodge went onto the car show scene after its days as a motocross rig were wrapped up.

The interior sports plenty of custom touches, but not the usual couches and captain’s chairs you might see in a van of this era. The fake stone walls and blood red carpeting give it more of a feel of a dungeon, to be honest, but I’m sure there’s a vibe here that was all the rage in the era in was made. I wouldn’t be surprised if there were at one time extensive furnishings that are long gone by now, pillaged for another project van when this one entered retirement. The seller says the cabin is holding up well, with the exception of the front bucket seats which show split seams in places.

Some of the van’s awards are going to go to the next owner when the Dodge is sold, a testament to a different era when the skills of artists and craftsmen were essential for taking home trophies. If you know any old hot-rodders, you likely know how much they value a pinstriper worth his or her salts, and certainly anyone handy with a paintbrush who can create the sort of details and imagery on display here. The Dodge benefits from a new battery, fluids, tune-up, and some brake work, and the seller notes that the engine is set up with a Crane cam and side-exit exhaust. It’s a fun cruiser for sure, and one that’s begging to see its interior fully converted for van life.

Comments

  1. Avatar Mitchell Gildea Member

    Foghat’s “Slow Ride” should and must be playing in this van at all times

    Like 12
    • Avatar Skorzeny

      Maybe a little April Wine and Head East as well!

      Like 12
  2. Avatar DON

    needs a set of those turbine wheels like the Dukes of Hazzard Charger – those were popular with vans of this era .

    Like 3
  3. Avatar Kelly g

    Where in the hell could you find someone to make you a revolving round bed for this thing? Guy would be like 85 with severe THC psychosis.

    Like 3
    • Avatar AZVanMan

      Hey, I’m only 60!

      Like 2
  4. Avatar leiniedude Member

    Gotta love the Dude puffing on the bong. I would like to know whats in the film container on the doghouse?

    Like 5
    • Avatar 370zpp Member

      Oh, were those also meant to store film?

      Like 5
      • Avatar leiniedude Member

        lol!

        Like 1
  5. Avatar Mike

    Looking at the driver’s side – “Wow, what a cool vintage ride”
    Looking at the passenger side – “Uhh, on second thought….”

    Like 0
  6. Avatar Maverick

    It goes along as well. Good times .
    .

    Like 0
  7. Avatar Raymond Powell

    I know this is a longshot, but does anyone know where this van is now? I would love to buy it.
    Thanks

    Like 0

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