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Custom 1977 Dodge Tradesman Van Up for Auction

Custom 1977 Dodge Tradesman Van Up for Auction​

Vintage Dodge Van with New Orleans-Themed Custom Interior​


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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.

 
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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