Customizing a van is one of those automobile adventures that allows the builder to express themselves through their finished creation, and it doesn’t take rocket science to figure out what was first and foremost on the mind of whoever turned this 1995 Chevrolet Van into what they aptly named the Love Machine, a title that probably originated from the #1 hit song of the same name by The Miracles back in ’75. The message is tranquil on the outside, but wait till you see what’s in store inside! Reader PRA4SNW spotted this one here on Facebook Marketplace in Jackson, Georgia, and we’d like to thank him for providing the tip! The seller is hoping for $30,000, and if the price reflects how well this van creates a romantic mood, it might be a reasonable ask.
Once inside, it’s easy to get completely consumed by the surroundings, so let’s keep examining the outside first. Red is one of those colors that’s associated with love and passion, so it seems appropriate that a bright hue was chosen as a basis for the exterior. Many custom vans have windows in the back and oddly shaped small windows on the sides, but the Love Machine has none, likely for privacy. Flames adorn more of the body than not, and the big-and-little Cragar S/S wheels seem like a perfect choice here. If I could have done one thing differently, it might have been sourcing some cooler mirrors, but that’s small potatoes.
Friends have described to me what it’s like to be inside an adult store, and I can imagine that when passengers step inside, this van successfully emulates that environment. It’s so successful in that regard that the interior surroundings are how I’d envision the mobile Playboy Mansion, that is, if somebody took the time to create a version of it on wheels. In addition to all the romantic decor, there’s shag everywhere, and I have to believe that’s no coincidence. The carved wooden ceiling rail features several hearts, and it seems like the perfect plank for those red beads to hang.
The only information we get about the mechanics is that this Chevy is powered by a V8 and an automatic with overdrive, and it’s got custom chrome side pipes for the exhaust to exit through. The seller says it’s ready to turn the key and go, so hopefully, no engine or transmission work will be needed for a while. Based on the subject matter, if a van builder has ever hit the target right in the bullseye, it may be this one. Since there doesn’t seem to be anything left to do here, I hope the visionary will soon create another song-based companion van and call it In The Mood, named after the classic 1940s Glenn Miller tune. Keep it family-friendly, but what are your thoughts on this 1995 Chevrolet Van?
I love it.