Once upon a time — or more accurately, back in the 1970s — the van reigned supreme. Riding-in right on the heels of the fading muscle car era, the custom van became the ultimate self-expression vehicle– tricked-out and personalized to show all the world just how your bad self rolled. They were badass, man– a portable pampered pad that allowed you to take all your extra-curricular activities of sorts (legal or lotharious) on the road– and there were custom shops on every corner back then that would customize your ride with a kick-ass sound system, lighting, shag carpeting, Captains chairs, beds, bubble windows, louvres, spoilers, mag wheels, custom horns, CB radios– and don’t forget to top it all off with a one-off airbrushed paint job depicting your choice of Wizard, Warlock, Wave or Western scenic. It may be time for a comeback, folks– especially with the home foreclosure rate being what it is…

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New for 1977 was the “Cruising Wagon” option for the Ford Pinto. It featured bold graphics and a small circular rear, side window. It was part of Ford’s “Free Wheeling” program to attract young buyers, as was the “Cruising Van” optioned Econoline in the background.

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This ad was shot by none other than the famed surf photographer, LeRoy Grannis. Pretty rad. I wonder if this ad had any influence on the Spicoli character from Fast Times at Ridgemont High?

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“The medieval knight stands bold in its shining armour as Miss World of Wheels, Dorothy Hoogstraten (Dorothy Straten) dubs Ron Bergsma, who is one of the ‘Macho Man’ contestants from Universal Olympic Gym at the World of Wheels Custom Car Show, August 16th, 1978.” –Photo by Paul Snider.

Related TSY Posts:

VINTAGE ROCK T-SHIRT SHOTS | SOMETIMES A TEE SAYS IT BETTER

THE CLASSIC SCHWINN STINGRAY | A LUCKY BOY’S FIRST FAST WHEELS

THE 1970’s PUBERTY PIN-UP WARS | FARRAH FAWCETT VS. CHERYL TIEGS

You Wanted the Best , YOU GOT THE BEST! The Hottest Band in the World — KISS!

SUMMERTIME STREET CRUISIN’ | RETRO CALIFORNIA TWO-WHEELIN’ FUN