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.
Oh, oh, they said there might be flashbacks later on in life,,,oh boy,,wait,,nah, just a little gas. I don’t know, looks older than a ’95, and if it is a ’95, little late to the game. I couldn’t imagine someone actually driving around with that on the side today. It was offensive in the 80s, imagine your daughter being picked up by Ricky in the “Love Machine”. Turns out “Ricky” was a good kid, the van? Traded for the Malibu wagon.
This is a bit over the top, certainly makes a statement. I think just about everyone here had a “flashback” of some sort seeing this. Remember this is a family site ( filter waiting with arms folded), but let’s hear it. A custom van touched everybody that was cool lives. That said, I never had one, but friends did. It was a movement, a family of sorts, and the most important thing to have? A CB radio! ( as shown)
Now, where’s that DA sander?
does the sell include a wardrobe of bell bottom and hip hugger pants and a freshly laundered polyester leisure suit?
“Filter waiting with arms folded “. That was funny Howard!! I agree with him, In ’95 there were more minivans with the folks who drove a van like this in ’76 with their families on the road, than cans like this. But still, it’s a neat throwback.
HOWARD, ANY FEMALE WHO WILLINGLY GOT INTO A MACHINE LIKE THIS IS A LOST CAUSE ALREADY.
I can imagine bringing this home trying to explain it to my wife. I could fill it with all my clothes after I pick them up in the yard. Not out of fear of infidelity, out of embarrassment.
That was the first thought I had Matt. Then if it wan’t gone within the hour it would become my home. Would be worth bringing it home just to see her reaction. On second thought after 43 years married I know better.
Driving this around will have the authorities on high alert. I might choose a more subtle fun name.
Shaggin Wagon ?
I hate to think what kind of stains that interior would show under a black light.
LOLOLOLOLOLOL. Something to think about . Besides PUKE ,
. Besides PUKE , lolol
I’m sure that there is a copy of this song somewhere in this van.
https://youtu.be/RiEIToOWr64?si=UsXWplB7sutYivbJ
Good one Tony!! I had that going through my head when I started reading this!!
Dalton, you just had to put that image in everyone’s head. Definitely makes me want to pass on it.
Happy to help!
$30,000? No way, it’s cool, but no way.
$30,000? No way, it’s cool, but too much.
I came into the van movement a little late. 1978 was when I got mine. A ’75 E150 long wheelbase. Shorty’s looked cool, but unless all you used it for was procreation? There was no room. Mine had paneling, wall to wall carpet, and removable seats. So I could use it like it was originally built for, too!
For your listening Pleasure
https://youtu.be/gLBWHQIfxEY
Love Machine · The Miracles
(dang, Tony was quicker)
posted a song link and apparently the comment is ‘in moderation pending approval’
Attention BF: this comment system needs work!
No, it works exactly like it’s supposed to. Trust me, you wouldn’t like it if we let every link posted through.
Sure, in that sense. Would be nice to have a shorter and/or more consistent ‘under review’ period, that’s all.
You’d DIE of embarrassment in the states driving that thing – HOWEVER in Poland Germany Eastern Europe – it’d be the Single most FUN ride you could possibly drive especially set up for towing a small sail boat ⛵️ & for camping in the many very nice mountain & lake resorts.
It’s a 80s Disco Party on Wheels & would instantly attract good attention.
In the states – Blue haired Nose ringed liberal feminists would literally vandalize it instantly.
Being a guy that drives this thing and is serious about it? Pretty creepy and weird.
The kind of WOMAN who willingly climbs in the back of a van like this?
Oh, family friendly, right.
Seriously though. Not the kind of woman I’m after, that is for SURE.
Great Football player and coach!
If I saw this vehicle coming down my block, I would sound an alarm to make sure young women and little girls are cleared off the streets. Yeah, baby!
Now, if the text was replaced by a rendering of Gandalf riding a dragon, that would truly be a throwback.
Yes indeed.
Album-cover art and Tolkien scenes were zeitgeist themes of the Van-Culture.
Perhaps in today’s culture the closest thing might be Marvel and DC Comics themes?
Anyway, the artwork often was very elaborate and truly beautiful.
It was quite a time to be a young person in America.
Needs one of those “Don’t Laugh, Your Daughter Might be in Here” bumper stickers.
I had that T-Shirt! Those were different times.
Would you let your daughter go out for a date with a guy driving this thing?
I wonder what has soaked into the shag carpet over the years.
Lust box.
I just have to smile when looking at it, reminds me of the 60’s when I was growing up.
I just have to smile when looking at it, reminds me of the 60’s when I was growing up.
good luck with getting 30k. too embarrassing to pull up to a house in.
First of all, this appears to be a first-rate conversion. So can’t find any fault in that regard.
The overall ‘Theme’ however does crossover into cringeworthy territory.
We should consider that this might well have been intentional, done as a ‘tongue-in-cheek’ exercise.
That’s what I think it is anyway.
After-all, the era of this type of Van conversion peaked in the late 70’s, long before this Chevy even came off the ass’y-line.
I love it! That being said, the other 36,000 people in the town I live in probably feel otherwise. Though the short wheelbase with S/Ss and side pipes is the set up from back in the day.
It’s a toss-up on who did the Love Machine better. This, or Pedro de Pacas’ ride.
How about a hot woman Driving it!!
How about a hot woman Driving it!!
Huh! I thought the LOVE MACHINE was a multi-colored ’64 Impala with thick smoke rolling out the windows! Definately older than 1995!
AL M: See my comment, above.
I love the fact that it has Corvette door handles on it.
It’s a great movie for car spotting, BTW. Lots of outdoor scenes.