Throwback Machine: 1974 Dodge B-Series Custom

It’s hard not to love a van that hails from an era when what would otherwise be considered a work truck could be transformed into a fantasy palace on wheels. This 1974 Dodge B-Series Van is said to wear original paint, over which has been painted a homage to New York City and behind which is an incredible interior that only the 1970s could dream up. Find it here on craigslist with just 42,000 actual miles and listed for $11,900. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Rusty for the find. 

The seller claims he rescued the van from a warehouse in Pennsylvania, which is hard to believe given I don’t see a custom Dodge like this one staying easily hidden. Regardless, the title backs up the mileage, so the seller believes this is a real-deal survivor, albeit one that was not spared the influences of the 1970s. The paint features lots of different designs, but the design just ahead of the rear porthole windows tells you a bit about what the original owner was passionate about.

Given it was found in Pennsylvania, perhaps the original owner was within striking distance of New York City, and found meaning in the artwork that captured a place he or she loved to visit. Of course, if the van was stationary, there was plenty of entertainment inside as well, with a small TV (very period correct, I might add) situated above a small serving area and what looks like a bathroom vanity. Other photos show custom shag carpeting, door panels, headliners and assorted cabinetry.

When you look at a van like this Dodge, it’s easy to forget there’s also a front cabin where actual driving is done. Who wants to be up there with that crash pad out back? The seller says it is fully serviced and checked out, ready for the next owner to do a roadtrip made all the more interesting with a functional CB radio on board. The asking price seems fair to me given how clean and how unique this 1974 custom Dodge van is. The bigger question is whether your personality is big enough to drive something like this every day.