Long before the days of high-end sport-utility vehicles, the “cushiest” way to haul around a crew of people and their cargo was with a conversion van. If you close your eyes and picture what a conversion van from the 1980s and 1990s might look like, you might envision the Chevrolet G20, Dodge Ram Van or the Ford Econoline/E-Series.
When it came to versatility, each of those vehicles had sky-high customization options. Some were outfitted with fiberglass high tops, RV-style amenities, cabinetry, lounge seating and – in the case of the super elite – even TVs and VCRs.
The Pick of the Day is a 1992 Dodge B250 Conversion Van listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Phoenix, Arizona. (Click here to view the listing)
“This has been an Arizona van since brand new, with only 129k original miles and no rust,” the listing begins.
The two-tone maroon and gray exterior portrays a period-correct theme for the era, and exterior features include chrome bumpers, white-letter tires, aluminum running boards, a roof rack and a rear-mounted spare tire. The paint finish does show some wear and tear consistent with a vehicle that has spent over 30 years in Arizona. However, as you’ll soon see, the price is right if you really want to repaint it to show-level condition.
Comfortable burgundy velour seating for seven is offered on the inside via two rows of swiveling captain’s chairs followed by a three-seat bench in the back. The cabin is equipped with a center console, cruise control, an AM/FM/cassette and of course plenty of wood-grain trim for luxury’s sake. The privacy curtains are a nice touch, too. This van is the kind of vehicle you could ride in cross-country and still arrive refreshed.
Dodge’s “B-Series” vans date back as far as 1971. When they were restyled several years later in 1979, the front-end design resembled that of Ram pickup trucks – a nod to the vehicle’s capability and power. A smaller sibling, the Caravan, was introduced in 1984 and launched the minivan movement that continues even today over 40 years later. The full-sized B-Series continued through 1997 with a facelift and a few incremental changes.
The seller says that the 318ci V8 “runs very well,” and power is sent to the rear wheels via a column-shifted three-speed automatic transmission. If you need to haul the family around this summer and don’t want to break the bank on a newer crossover or minivan, the asking price for this people-mover is a fair $6,500.
It doesn’t have the coveted TV/VCR combo, but there just happens to be room in the second row for you to add one.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com