The “Van era” was a cool time that brought a unique and interesting style to the uncommon vans of the 70’s. Cool wheels, groovy paint, and unusual shaped windows were only a few details that were commonly added to these cool vans. This particular van has a paint scheme in tribute to the Allman Brothers “Eat a Peach” album that was released in 1972. After two owners and many years of delicate care, this cool van is up for auction. With 3 days remaining this Van is offered at the buy it now price of $8,000. Find it here on ebay out of Livonia, Michigan.
Beyond the cool exterior features, these vans usually have a tricked out interior as well. This van does not disappoint with its suede wrapped dash, shag carpet, tufted vinyl seats and door panels, and its groovy bed with wood spindled columns. One super groovy feature of the sleep area are the two mushroom shaped windows. The interior seems perfectly period correct and in very nice condition, but the seller reports the driver seat has some minor cracking from age. Customized by the original owner, this van has only passed hands once, and has covered just 72,000 miles in its lifetime. Ready to drive, the 225 slant 6 is ready to take you to any jam festival, or car event you may wish to attend.
For the diehard Allman Brothers fans, and van fanatics, the paint is clearly the most important part of this van. Well I am happy to report that the paint is in solid shape after all of this time. The only issues with the paint are a few rock chips and scratches from use and age. This rolling billboard for a great band, and an awesome era in time certainly catches a lot of attention anywhere that it may go. Are any of you Allman Brothers fans chomping at the bit to get this Van?
I had a friend with a very similar van. If you are going this route, a period correct CB is in order, I suggest a Johnson Messenger 123B. I believe there’s a huge surge in interest again for “vannin”, you’d fit right in with this. Very cool, Dodge was the nicest van for the time.
In a side note, I learned something today, not from the posting, though. I’m a huge fan of the Allman Brothers, and I remember when Duane Allman was killed. I always thought he hit a peach truck with his motorcycle, hence the name. However, that’s not true, as he hit a lumber truck. The peach thing came from a quote Allman said, ” Everytime I’m in Georgia, I eat a peach for peace”.
Our CB of choice was the popular Cobra 29.
Hi boxdid, the Cobra 29, long the #1 choice for truckers,( and probably still is) came out in 1977, when “Uncle Charley” upped the channels from 23 to 40. When I started trucking, very few had them until the early 80’s, and the Johnny was the radio to have.
A time capsule on wheels. I built a couple of plastic model Dodge vans when I was in my teens back in the mid 1970s that were similarly decked out like the full size van pictured above.
Those were the days.
that is so 70s that i can’t even imagine purchasing it. the cb would be a good accessory but more late 70s.
grew up next to livonia and yes, these were frequently on the streets. the mushroom side light is a nice touch, as is the long hair carpet on the dash and the blue carpeted side doors. as for the artwork i am a fan of the allman brothers but think a half clothed woman being protected from a saber toothed trigger by a ripped man with an enormous sword is truer to the period. something inspired by frazetta.
Very cool van and a great tribute to a awesome band.
That would be a handful to drive. Three speed column shifted truck. I hope it has PS and PB. Many didn’t. Especially low-spec Tradesman’s. Nice color, not so nice drivetrain.
Hi olddavid, actually, I remember it being a very nice truck to drive, for a van, anyway. My friends had a column 3 speed he transferred to the floor, and for some reason, Scotty will attest to this, the shifter had to be reversed, possibly due to a clearance issue, so reverse and 1st were switched and 2nd and 3rd as well. The 6 would be my choice.
I had a 1981 6 cyl Tradesman and my right foot hurt from mashing the floor to try to make it go.
Hurst made a shifter spefically for dodge vans. I got one and converted my 3 on the tree to 3 on the floor. Hurst made van shifters for only a short time, maybe there is some old stock around?
I bought a van like this in 1973 and since Hurtt offered a floor shifter specfically for dodge van I put one in and it was much nicer to drive, but I could no longer swivel my drivers seat since the shifter was in the way. Trying to add photo, notice Sony TV antenna on roof, man that was status !
Brings back memories. Mostly good ones.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkG-Nr5nvLo
Matt Groening rules! Nice find Howard, as always!
Bring a black light!
I bet that sucker would light up like Charlie Sheens bedroom
I drove one of these in the late 70’s and agree with Howard, they are very nice to drive. If there was room and no dirt road, this one would be in my garage, I love it.
Blue skies all the way………………
The van looks naked without side pipes. Would add them along with the cb radio.
https://youtu.be/ng0yavQjfAA
Nice old bang bus. My buddy lent me his back in the day it was also tricked out not quite so stunningly though. This would be a hit in about 10 years at the old folks homes if you wanted to cruise them and pick up a few widows every now and then. They would flock to it with their walkers. LMAO.
I was a pre-teen and young teenager in the van years. My Dad had a ’76 Chevy 3/4 ton, with wood paneled interior and bed in the back. I used to read all the van mags that came into the house.
This one checks all the van era boxes. Mural, shag, side windows (bonus points for the mushroom shape), hood scoop, cragars, roof vent, etc. I love it!
I hope someone buys this and enjoys it a lot. What a cool nostalgia machine.
– John
Am I doing this right?
If the van’s a rockin, don’t come a knockin’
This would be perfect to bring to the Peach Music Fest in PA.. You’d be a local star..LOL
Cool. Love the walk down memory lane with the comments. Love to see a resurgence…With modern drivetrain.
I scoped this out, and took it for a test drive. Jeebus, what a crude bomb. Manual steering, and manual drum brakes, and the 3 on the tree was super sloppy, along with the clutch. I was worn out after 5 minutes of putting through the neighborhood. I would NEVER even attempt to drive this at any high speed, especially any expressway. Up close, the body and paint job was a nightmare long term. Overall a cool time capsule, but it is a never ending money pit. Good luck to whoever bought it, you are gonna need it.
Here’s my 1973 Dodge;
If your van had windows it was a station wagon.