I’m a big Dodge van fan but I’ve never owned a “forward control” van like this 1966 Dodge A100 Custom. This one is located in Solana Beach, California and it can be found on eBay. The current bid is $4,600 but the reserve isn’t met yet. The interior is worth the price of admission on this one.
I’ve seen peeling wallpaper and even peeling skin, but I’ve never seen a peeling van before. I always assumed that the murals, or “murials”, as my dad said, on these custom vans were painted, not applied like a billboard. That’s crazy, there’s no touching those up, just rip them off and start over. Aren’t both sides on a custom van sort of, at least a little, maybe, usually.. supposed to be at least partially-related to each other? Hmm.. A beach sunset on one side and a coiled up snake on the other side? Actually, the seller explains those as “sort of half wraps that were put on for a movie and a few music videos that it was used in. They can be left as is or easily cut off if you don’t want them.”
The van body looks fantastic, though, what a sweet little shorty van! The short wheelbase A100 had a mere 90-inches between the wheels, that’s 7.5-feet! Now that’s short.
GA! There is simply no checking the dipstick and getting anywhere near this interior. Actually, since there is no hood on an A-series truck or van, a person would have to take the whole “dog house” off between the front seats to check the oil. This is one fantastic interior. The seller nails it: “Unlike your new Honda, this little gem DOES have fur covered dash and door panels. We call it the Dumb and Dumber look which is very in right now.” There’s a 318 cubic-inch V8 under that furry dog house and it hasn’t really been used in a decade so be prepared to dig into it before taking it to Woodstock next year for the 50th reunion.
Holy hazmat suit, Batman! A pressure washer is your friend on this interior, who knows what happened back there. Supposedly the fountain works, that’s possibly the coolest feature inside a custom van that I’ve seen in a long time. This van in restored condition could bring a pretty penny, how much would any of you be willing to put into this van over the selling price to bring it back to show condition? $10,000? More?
Great Googly Moogly! Dashboard and rear area are both things I wish I could somehow unsee. And yet, in some strange way, I almost like them.
Do not, under any circumstances, ever put a fluorescent light in there!
What about a pair of furry dice hanging from the mirror then?
Its off putting with all thar fur
You could take this Vehicle right to the burning Man festival in Nevada and hang out with all the half naked women.
Shaggin’ wagon. I would peel the wraps off, paint a different color and tone down the interior a bit. Cool van
Vinyl wrap suggests it’s not vintage. I’d rather have a period built van with sunburn.
Steve R
This the van that started it all. ( aside from the VW bus) Miserable vehicles to drive, a friend had one. At least all the fluff will reduce the rattle can effect some. You can’t see it, but the top of the engine cover opens, and oil and coolant can be checked, but ANY maintenance, requires cover removal, and it’s a pain. The Tradesman was a much better unit, and after it came out, these dropped off pretty fast. No thanks on the A100.
I was just messin’ around with taking the whole doghouse off, Rube, but I have never owned or even ridden in one of the A-series vans.
Meeeeaaaaan, that’s really far out and groovy….
I’m guessing that the vinyl mural was a later addition (Chroma Graphics, perhaps?) that’s now falling off, due to age and/or bad prep.
I’m sure it would appeal to a greying Baby Boomer (like me!) wanting to relive their misspent youth. Good fun.
Hey, Beatnik-B, the seller said that it those graphics were put on for a movie and they could come off fairly easily.
Looks like the removal’s already started, Scotty! (LOL)
It would be a fun toy for someone.
Pot and LSD!…. Ooops, just had a flash back. Who’s that with my girl? Well, it’s ok, Dude
Maybe this van needs a soundtrack: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTTIorNdX8o
The “entire doghouse” does not have to be removed in order to check the oil. Unless the previous owner has modified it, the top is hinged, and the dipstick is easily accessible, even if the engine is a v-8. (Ask me how I know!) :-)
Thanks, moparman, I was just being a goofball with that.
Moparman knows his stuff.
I go by MOPARDEL
Used in a movie? For what? I’m guessing an undercover sting operation scene ending with Pam Grier slapping the cuffs on some unsuspecting dirtball.
Wow, that interior is a little over the top. I had the equivalent SWB Chevy van. Like driving a bus with the near vertical steering wheel. The hinged top on the dog house allowed you work on the engine out of the weather. My Gen 2 Chevy van was much more civilized and comfortable at the cost of engine accessibility.
Brown chicken-brown cow-brown chicken-brown cow-brown chicken-brown cow….
Add some wizards to the mural, then enjoy
My Big Fat Greek van interior…
Used to “borrow” my dad’s company LWB van, with 318/727; it could do some serious burnouts…
5 miles from me. May be worth a look.
Don’t come a knockin’ if this vans a rockin’!
Back in the day, with a carpet kit, we called these things “roving c___ houses”!
I miss my “Forward Control” 64 Greenbrier. I sold it in 1987. I went back in the 90’s to try and buy it back… but the man that bought it moved.
I believe I’ve seen this van on the road or at a car show before, recently. Not a big van fan, yeah, I was just a kid then but I remember the van craze back in the 70’s, but this might be worth a look if old custom van’s interest you. It’s driving me nuts that I can’t remember where I’ve seen this van, urrrrggghh!
Dad and I had two of these for work 6cyl 3 speed , never let us down 100k+ on both of them , tin worm won out in the end !
Frick’n Amazing!!!
I dig it lol. Ive owned a 66 Econoline supervan panel for years & I just love seeing 60’s vans on the road. Heres a pic of my panel van & keeping on vannin.
It’s awesome to see the 60’s & 70’s Vans on the road and especially when they’re stock!!
This was my ’65 A100 Sportsman taken in ’69 on a trip to Baja. It was two tone Pontiac Verdoro Green and Cadillac Lime Green. I made the front bumpers from aluminum extrusions.
Very nice van!
What a beautiful job you did, perfect for the beach and anywhere! Don’t need an SUV with that van👏🏻
It absolutely out SUV’d an SUV. It had a back bench seat that folded into a bed. This photo was taken on the same Baja trip…plenty of room for stuff. Note the two speaker cabinets. They were removable. I made capture devices so they mounted behind the two front seats inside. I really wish I still had it !!!