Custom 1977 Dodge Tradesman Van Up for Auction

Vintage Dodge Van with New Orleans-Themed Custom Interior

Robert S. Miller February 5, 2025

If you’re looking for a rolling piece of 1970s van culture, this 1977 Dodge Tradesman B200 Street Van might be the ultimate find. Currently up for auction on BringATrailer.com, this long-wheelbase Maxivan is finished in Russet Sunfire Metallic with custom multicolor graphics, capturing the essence of the custom van craze of its era.

Under the hood, this classic Dodge is powered by a 5.9-liter (360 cubic-inch) LA V8 engine, paired with an A727 TorqueFlite three-speed automatic transmission. The van rides on American Racing 15-inch wheels wrapped in Hercules H/P 4000 tires, with a staggered setup featuring 235/60 tires in the front and 275/60 in the rear. A full-size spare is mounted on the rear door under a painted hard cover. Power steering and power-assisted front disc brakes ensure a smoother ride, with the brake master cylinder recently replaced under current ownership.

The front cabin is a bold mix of retro luxury, featuring high-back bucket seats upholstered in red vinyl with red and black patterned covers. Matching red carpeting, tufted headliner material, and wood paneling give the interior a true vintage feel. An overhead console houses a Cobra CB radio, a Craig 8-track player, auxiliary lighting, a digital clock, and an exterior thermometer. Additional features include an AM/FM radio, air conditioning, cupholders, and Dodge-branded rubber floor mats.

What sets this van apart is its fully customized rear living space. Spade-shaped side windows let in natural light, while wraparound bench seating in red and black vinyl offers a cozy spot to relax. A removable cushion turns the seating area into a flat sleeping surface, making this van road-trip ready. The centerpiece of the rear compartment is a dry bar with a Cronco Cooler ice chest, paired with a double-tier removable table featuring four cupholders and Coca-Cola glassware. New Orleans–themed décor, black carpeting, accent lighting, and mirrors complete the nostalgic vibe.

Recent maintenance includes a tune-up, an oil change, and a new air-conditioning compressor. The five-digit odometer shows 59,000 miles, with approximately 200 added by the seller. Included in the sale are an owner’s manual, 1976 and 1977 Dodge Tradesman brochures, and tourism paperwork from New Orleans, further highlighting the van’s well-preserved history.

This 1977 Dodge Tradesman Street Van is currently up for grabs on BringATrailer.com, with bidding set to end on Saturday, February 8 at 3:37 p.m. EDT. If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a piece of the custom van era, now’s your chance to make it happen.

1977 Dodge Tradesman B200 Street Van Image Gallery:

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james.mooney. Feb 12, 2025 #1

I've always liked the shape and proportions of classic 1970s van-- probably nostalgia from growing up watching Scooby-Doo and The A-Team!

Stellantis could revive this body shape on STLA Large and produce it alongside the Dakota at Belvidere.

Here's what I'm picturing:

Produce two minivan bodies: the traditional long sleek minivan body for the Pacifica and Voyager, and a B-van-inspired body for two new models: a Dodge Vandal sports van and Jeep Platoon overlander.

Give the Dodge/Jeep version the same width and wheelbase as the Chrysler version, but maybe not quite as long and much taller (~6" or so). Raise the belt line; move the A-pillar forward and make it more upright; make it slab-sided and boxy; and give it a taller, flatter nose and shorter hood. Include the next generation of whatever the Chrysler stow-n-go seating system becomes.

Differentiate the Dodge and Jeep versions with different sheetmetal stampings, fascias, lights, wheels, interiors, etc., as well as unique suspension and steering tuning. Give the Jeep flared trapezoidal fenders and Wrangler-inspired tail lights.

Install a 300hp 2.0T Hurricane I4 with standard AWD as the base engines and offer incremental increases in power through EREV or PHEV and BEV versions. The Hurricane TT I6 could be a possibility if it fits given the unique shape of the engine bay (and possible transverse engine placement).

Offer a Street Van package on the Dodge that includes a sportier suspension, tighter steering, optional retro-styled interior fabric patterns, and optional retro-styled stripe decal packages.

The images do not show exactly what I am picturing but they give some flavor of the styling directions they could take.

There is probably not a business case for such a huge investment but they could attract new buyers who otherwise would not consider a minivan while still having the Chryslers to cater to their traditional minivan buyers. Marketing could appeal to the nostalgia of dads (and moms!) of a certain age... 😎
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