We can freely admit that we totally dig in-period vans here on Barn Finds. One subset of the van-life segment we don’t often see is the long wheelbase iteration of this classic mod-crazy platform. The shorty vans, as we call them, are hugely popular with the vanners who create custom homes on wheels in these zany chariots of 70s style. So when you see one with an extended chassis that features oodles of room for a crazy cabin conversion, you pay attention. Check out this 1975 Dodge Tradesman here on Craigslist for $23,000.
$23Gs may seem like a lot, and it is – for a van. But as we’ve seen time and again, conversion vans modified in the popular period style rarely stick around for sale long, which proves that despite being somewhat removed from mainstream society, modified vans like this Dodge still have a loyal following. The interior is in outstanding condition just like the exterior, so this boogie van has clearly been loved. The seller doesn’t mention the interior being restored, so we’re led to believe it’s original.
The seller claims he drove it back from Pennsylvania last year, and we’re also making the assumption that the paint and exterior graphics are original as well. It’s somewhat incredible to think that this Dodge has been kept in pristine shape with its in-period customizations intact, but the van life crowd definitely takes care of its own when a model like this shows up with all of the desirable upgrades already made. The front air dam and fender flares are another wild aspect of these conversions that I love, giving the Dodge a slight IMSA flavor.
Speaking of track days, how killer would this be as your trackside support vehicle at Sebring? Head to the 12 Hours of Sebring, stock the fridge with all sorts of cold beverages and trackside snacks, and maybe even find a motorcycle to tow behind it with a matching paint job. The seller notes several recent maintenance jobs completed, including a new aluminum radiator, aluminum water pump, belts, hoses, fuel pump, A/C compressor, thermostat, and alternator. It’s top dollar but from here, this long-wheelbase Dodge looks to be worth every penny.
What can be said but, GROOVY baby!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSWInYFVksg
Is that window on the sliding door painted on with curtains added? Clever if so. I like the long wheelbase, it should ride better than a shorty.
Maybe $10kl
We used to call these Dodge vans small, medium, and large back in the day. The vast majority of the custom vans were smalls. You’d see a few mediums from time to time. This is the first large I have ever seen as a custom.
We had a 77 , same as this but with two side doors instead of the slider. Great van, lots of room
Bring a black light.
Might be sad if you found nothing with the black light. The dude might have been banished to the friend zone multiple times.
Wow ext van B300. I don’t remember seeing a custom one this long. If I remember the engine choice for this was 225,318 and 440. The 340 was definitely put in to replace the 318. Just wish the seller posted the vin number. And had more pictures of the engine and dash. Otherwise very cool ride. I wonder if it still smells like weed inside? 😂
What years had the 360 inch option.?.?
My 1980 mid-length has the Dodge LTP 225,
(Leaning Tower of Power)
It’s a B200, the B300 one ton would’ve had 8 lug wheels and a floating axle. 340 was definitely a transplant though.
RE; second sentence-‘THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID!”
If the vans a rock’n don’t bother knock’n.
Had a t shirt that read “Don’t Laugh, Your Daughter Might Be In Here.” It was perfect for those first dates.
my middle daughter met this guy at school.. a private Christian school. My wife taught there also. This kid came over to ask if he could date my daughter.. he was wearing a t-shirt that said “PIMP”. I met him at the door and told him that if him to never show his face at my again and to forget about dating my child. His dad came over to confront me about his little boy coming home crying. I told him the reason.. and the dad went home embarrassed and pulled his son from the school and put him in another private school. As far as I know the kids never talked to each other again. He was not driving a van.. worse yet.. he was driving a Prius!
I absolutely love it but the modern front seats would need some period correct replacements and I add cragars or turbines.