It’s time for Jeep to make a van. In fact it’s beyond time for Jeep to make a van.
The van scene is booming. Whether it’s a spin-off of the COVID work-from-anywhere mentality, or the roller coaster housing market, or just the ingrained nomadic desire of a couple hundred thousand years of wandering aimlessly looking for the perfect river bank to call home, it’s definitely trending to live in a van down by the river. (RIP C. Farley)
[Editor’s Note: Everyone please welcome my friend Fred Williams! He’s an incredible entertainer/journalist, a true off-road expert, and among the best people to ever out of the great manufacturing plant in the sky (or is it Toledo?). Follow him on his YouTube channel 4xFredWilliams to hang out (virtually) with one of the world’s foremost off-road masters.
In this article, I’ve paired him up with The Bishop (our zany in-house artist/designer of dream cars) so that we can have some images to go along with a “take” Fred has been telling me about in-person for years. That take being: Jeep needs to build an off-road van. -DT].
But the options for those looking to outfit a van are slim on the new vehicle front. Mercedes of course has its Sprinter lineup, which starts at $50k+ and climbs quickly to five times that when built out with AWD. Ford is right there with Mercedes with the Transit at maybe a little less expensive to buy in, but on par when outfitted. GM doesn’t offer the high-top euro style vans, but thankfully still offers body on frame and healthy V8 options (400 horsepower 6.6L gas Power!), but you can only option them new with 4×4 if run through an upfitter such as Quigley 4×4 for a final price on par with the prior two brands. Oh, and if you think the RAM Promaster has anything to offer to the van-lifer, well, it’s basically the worst option with horrible ergonomics and front wheel drive; meh!
A Jeep Van
So why Jeep and why now? The truth is that the brand should have pushed this to the front of the To-Do list 10 years back because the Van-Life trend may have already peaked. Luckily the key to a successful van offering is on par with how Jeep offers Wrangler (or how you can get it equipped from the vast aftermarket options).
Offer it fully built with tires, lift, lockers and winch, or in this case fold down bed, water tanks, solar panels, ground clearance and various Mopar mounts for every outdoor toy imaginable, or offer it as a stripped down Sport, in this case a 4×4 box with a two speed transfer case, and let the new Jeep Wrangler-Van owners build them out as they please.
The van lifestyle is similar to the Jeep buyer lifestyle: outdoorsy, adventurous, maybe they have kids, maybe they’re retired, they might need room for mountain bikes, they might need room for a dog or three. But where a Wrangler has to pump the brakes on sleeping inside the vehicle or locking up the bikes (or fido) the Wrangler-Van will have room for it all. Three row seating for grown up kids? Yes. Lots of windows or solid panel sides? Yes. Long wheelbase frame with various engine options? Yes (think Gladiator frame with a house on top).
The fact is that most of the vans available now were designed and engineered for commercial use, hauling plumbers, electricians, or packages. But wouldn’t it be better if a van were designed with Jeep off road prowess to start, and live-in-ability from the initial sketch? The 4xe Diesel Hybrid Wrangler Van with solar roof panel integration has a nice ring to it. Jeep isn’t afraid of cool colors, so the Jeep Wrangler-Van meetups won’t be all grey, white and black. I’ll take one in green, or orange.
Jeep actually has built a van in the past, so you could say there is history to do so again. In the early 60’s Jeep modified their Forward Control truck into a military van and ambulance variant. These didn’t make it to the civilian market, and rare surviving versions fetch top dollar if they ever come up for sale.
Even before the military M678 and M679 variants there was a prototype Jeep Commuter van based on the FC chassis and built by Reutter Karosserie in Stuttgart, Germany (they also built some German sports car bodies I think) based on drawings by renowned designer Brooks Stevens, also designer of the Wienermobile (sorry but I refuse to call it the Frankmobile, some things don’t need to change). However this glorious six door executive hauler never made it past the early prototype phase.
Then a few years back Jeep made a Mighty FC concept for its annual Moab pilgrimage and it was quickly photoshopped into a van-like variant for ultimate camping, exploring, and sleeping in your Jeep under the stars. When that pops up online it resonates with a chorus of “Jeep should build that!”
Stellantis
The Autopian’s Daydreaming-Designer Tries To Create The Jeep Van Of My Dreams
So what would a Jeep van look like? As much as I want a solid axle Wrangler based variant, I actually think a new Wagoneer chassis would be a good starting point. It’s robust from its Ram truck underpinnings, the new Hurricane I6 would be a great powerplant for an often overloaded overlanding machine, the air independent suspension would help with varying loads, plus I want to tow my other trail Jeep with my Wrangler-Van since 4wheeling is my outdoor hobby. So let’s shoot for 8,000 or 10,000 pound towing numbers. I personally would loved to see van-lifers bolting on 40’s, but I know most will be content with a 33-inch mud tire, side bars that both protect and help kiddos climb in the back, roof racks and ladders, and a younger hipper off-road styling than other minivans in the Stellantis line up (I’m not saying the Pacifica is boring, but it is).
The Bishop here. It’s one thing when the disturbed founder of this car-site asks you to, say, design a car for a country with five foot diameter coins; the sillier the idea the better with THAT guy. However, when a less-disturbed founder comes to you and requests a serious design for a van built by Jeep-the most storied name in off road motoring- it’s an entirely different situation. It gets worse when I’m told that the overlanding van concept is requested by a man named Fred Williams. I wasn’t familiar, but a Google search lights up like The Strip on a Saturday night. This guy is a highly regarded legend in the four wheel drive community; you might know him as technical editor of Peterson’s 4 Wheel & Off Road or from his online presence in places like Motor Trend’s former show Dirt Every Day. Damn, this one is gonna be tough. Fred did have some more specific requests, which helps a great deal:
Shoot for a 120 inch wheelbase for optimal short stubby off-road look. This would be the same as a RAM regular cab 6’4” bed platform. I really like the idea of a cab over because of the heritage, but I understand that being hard to integrate. I think keeping in mind forward visibility for off roading and ease of parking is important to consider. The Jeep Van should be best in class in both approach angle and forward visibility to both the horizon and the ground close in front of the van.
Fred, I LOVE cabovers as well, and I even designed what I thought a 1985 Jeep FC family might look like. However, I know that safety and ride comfort concerns mean that such a machine isn’t going to fly as a mass production passenger vehicle today. Of course, Sprinter-type vans put the driver pretty far forward, and new concepts like the VW ID Buzz and Canoo vans do a pretty good impersonation of cabovers. I’m also pleased that Fred wants to go between the size of Transit Connect-sized compact vans and giant Sprinter-sized behemoths, which should create a nice compromise of interior space and manageable size. As Fred says, they should have done this ten years ago, so I’m imagining this thing being introduced around 2013 or so; why not? Let’s start with a side view of the old 2009 RAM that they sell as the ‘Classic’ today. We can use that to get a rough idea of what this van might be like:
I know that production reality will make ’em longer, lower, lamer, but my dream Jeep van wouldn’t have that stuff. The idea to get people talking about what could be. I think remove all side steps; yes, they’ll be added later but God they ruin the off road look of any vehicle. David mentioned a sliding side door; I actually prefer a pair of hinged side doors, with exposed hinges to keep the wrangler theme. If they get sliding doors it would need a style that kicks or slants out to clear bigger tires that might bulge outside the tire flares. Also, I’m not sure about a driver’s side rear door. I think it should be an option in case the van is a kid hauler, but it should be easily replaced with a bolt-in door in case the van is being built out as camper.
Indeed, Fred, if we start with the hard core off-road version and work backwards, we’ll have a machine with true credibility. As Fred requested, the production one will be available in many flavors; options that range from under-seven-foot-tall fit-in-a-garage soccer mom vehicles to extended, tall box models and even camper chassis. To that end, for example, I’ve added an obvious seam behind the driver and front passenger since we’re going to offer a wide variety of different back body modules (and wheelbases). You could have a standard height body or tall body, either long or short wheelbase, windows or no windows, with options for a stripped out interior or three (or even four) rows of seats. Another aftermarket option would be to offer just the cab chassis to allow for a complete camper that would sit aft the front cabin with a sleeper area extending over it. Again, some rough layouts:
Here’s a view of what I call the Sport body rear section in place, with factory-offered off-road steel bumpers incorporating a winch:
The below is very rough, but it’s a sketch of what a “street” plastic lower bumper might look like for the mom-and-the-kids versions that might benefit most from better aerodynamics:
This mid-height Sport rear body has giant windows and a roof rack over the standard height front passenger compartment. I was inspired by the late seventies Matra Rancho, a very cool looking early “crossover’ that’s actually just a front wheel drive Simca car front attached to that custom rear cabin (oddly enough, it was a Chrysler product at the time!). I’ve always wanted to see that shape with some REAL off-road capabilities (the early Nissa Xterra tried but it’s a pretty watered-down attempt). I also looked at, of all things, the funky-looking Sherpa van made in the seventies by British Leyland. Like our Jeep, it was built as a smaller competitor to the concurrent Ford Transit and preferred by the Royal Mail for its easier maneuverability (one makes an appearance in The Spy Who Loved Me).
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The rearmost doors and liftgate from a Ford Excursion are still one of the best designs, but a liftgate on a tall van might be hard, so it would need a power close option. Lots of van users mount stuff to the inside of the rear doors. I want the Jeep van to be the easiest van for people to work on. Vans are notorious for engine work, so maybe the entire front panel is quick and easy to lift off, or has exposed hinges and clamshells open to each side so the engine is accessible?
Yup, Fred, that whole nose pivots up or can be removed completely. In back, I don’t want taillights to take away valuable inches from the opening so the Jeep box-looking taillights are on the doors themselves, with repeater lights in the rear bumper. Obviously, we’d have a few door options with and without windows, including the “Dutch door” idea Fred mentions with a tailgate and then flip-open half door above. The lights and license plate can fold out to allow you to drive legally with the gate down.
As for the inside, the flooring would be easy to pull out for cleanup from kid messes, pet messes, spilled camping meals, or muddy mountain bikes. I think showing the bins, showing a bed, showing it full of bikes, and showing it full of seats of smiling children is the real picture. The goal is showing that Jeep Van would have the same customizability as Wrangler. In my view the aftermarket will do a much better job of offering accessories than the OEMs ever do.
I suggested a modular approach to Fred for the empty-shell “van life” versions (especially long wheelbase ones) that offered options for sleeping, food prep, and storage lockers. I was seeing rails on the side walls that different sized storage boxes could click onto. They could be padded inside or insulated ones for food, long ones for things like rifles or fishing/kayak gear. These could be removed from the van to load up with gear in your house or garage and then brought out to the van (with a roll around cart if too heavy). A big fold down mattress in the way back is an option. There’s also a sink, cooktop, refrigerator, and microwave modules. Of course, a fully upholstered car-like passenger van interior would be available as well.
The dashboard would be inspired by the old Jeep FC, which had an angled plane with instruments mounted in it. The same thing could be done here and it sort of reduces the visual depth of the dashboard. The face level vents become a flat part of the plane when closed, and a second ‘tier’ features the gear selectors.
A Different Idea
Here’s another idea: Put the engine in the back under a platform that could be a bed, think VW van or diesel pusher RV. What options would that open up? I like the idea of the diesel hybrid with the rear small diesel that can propel it like a diesel pusher, or charge batteries or act as a camp generator. I think the van platform could really integrate diesel, hybrid, solar, beyond other platforms. Allowing for unusual drivetrain layouts for optimal internal space and off road performance.
Ah, Fred, you’re KILLING ME! I thought I was done. How about this: we look at what a 2024 Jeep Van could possibly be? I mean, they could continue to make the RAM 1500 one that I’ve shown already as the “Jeep Van Classic” or something, but introduce an innovative next-generation van, the 4xe.
Wheelbase and length would be the same as the short bed RAM 1500-based “Classic” but the frame would allow for almost anything. It could be a plug-in all-EV Jeep but I think you’d want to have a diesel or gas engine in back to charge the batteries, even if it doesn’t directly power the wheels (if you want that, buy the “Classic”). I mean, if you go on, say, an Alaskan adventure with an EV it appears that there are some charging stations in downtown Anchorage but good luck going into the deep country without an ICE motor. Here’s a very rough drawing:
My idea starts with sort of an “exoskeleton” outside — an egg-shaped frame that might even act a bit like a roll cage. To this outside frame you could bolt on any kind of door, window, solid side or roof panel you wanted to for easy reconfigurability at the factory or even at home. I mean, it’s likely that it would be capable of driving around without doors or other body panels as I’ve shown in the bottom drawing. In fact, even the windshield could be a flip-down, hinged panel to open as on a Wrangler. I figured that was a dumb idea but Fred actually dug it. Talk about adding fun to your summertime Saturday Costco trip- full face helmets for the whole family!
Hopefully, with the “Classic” van and the ready-for-the-future EV model available, the Jeep Van duo could wipe the floor with the competition’s converted Home Depot rental box trucks.
Inside, as with most current electrified vehicles, the main display and controls will live dead center on the dash (with small displays for speed and such either on the windshield or just below as I am showing). There’s a large center screen with seven vertical bars to take you to the different screens (climate, entertainment, settings, 4WD, etc.). Flanking the screen are big, cartoonishly beefy rubber knobs for the ‘gear’ selector and another knob to allow you to scroll through menus without touching the screen with your hands all muddy and greasy from hooking up the winch. Below that are knobs for driver and passenger temperature control and the window switches (remember, the doors can be removed easily with quick-release catches).
Wait- does this center screen unit look like something familiar? I can’t place it.
How would it drive? I’m not sure, but you can build one yourself and try it out, on your desk at least:
Right click the above and print it on letter size, ignoring the glances of coworkers at the copier. Anyway, back to Fred, the man with the idea:
The Wrangler-Van will look cool at soccer practice, or much further down the trail than the other brand vans still parked at the trailhead. Contrary to popular news media there are still lots of families with 3+ kids out there and many parents don’t want the stigma of a boring minivan, but a Jeep van would look cool and be able to haul them all with ease and take them places where kids (or adults) can still be kids. Like the woods, or desert.
..or down by the river.
Why I Sold My Beautiful ‘Stolen’ Jeep FC And Kept My Rusty Blue One – The Autopian
Why My Jeep Wrangler YJ Is Ending Up Much Cheaper Than I Anticipated – The Autopian
Better of designing a camper cubicle 18 to 34 feet that attaches to the frame of a box truck. Save money provide your truck there are millions out there. But also provide new since everyone is abandoning the Super Duty sized/school bus bolt on frame. For side doors use fold down frames to have ramps. You guys are trying to put camper stuff in a van fine but not through regular doors. If you are camping with a family of 5 that rig should be a base. Fridge/freezer/microwave/battery solar panels water supply 5 person seating to get there, a base for everything but no invan living or sleeping.
Somehow this ends up looking like a LuAZ 969’s face, except cheesier.
Why hasn’t Jeep thrown a 2-door Wrangler body on the 2-door Ram chassis? The 2-door Gladiator dozens of people wanted. Toss the 4XE powertrain in there and you have a winner.
Presenting the Mitsubishi Delica, by Jeep. Spacious? Utilitarian? Ground clearance for these 3rd-world-esque roads in our G7 nations? Sign me up. Just one thing: let Toyota make it or just rebadge a Delica because you know, Jeep/Stelantis reliability.
Can it offer factory option portal axels?
I’d be happy with the Cybertruck based van (Think Brubaker Box but stainless) but a Jeep one would be amazing too. I think folks are underestimating how desirable these would be to the younger generation — vans are seriously useful, and making it cool would tap a whole new market if they can do a stripper version that’s affordable, but upgradable. I’d buy the electric/hybrid one today if it was available.
Could you see one of these driving around Craters of the Moon National Monument Idaho?
People would think your making a “Mars Vacation” movie in the 2039 Mars Family Rover or something.
Nice to see you here Fred!
I think Jeep should make a van. That being said I’d much rather have a separate cab and van body. If Jeep made a damn 2 Door Gladiator already that frame would work well enough for mounting a lightweight van body.
Once they make the 2 door Gladiator the cost of developing a van variant wouldn’t be all that high, compare that to making a brand new off road van exclusive chassis and it’s pennies.
I will just leave this here: https://www.hagerty.com/media/news/russian-uaz-came-up-with-toughest-overlander-van/
Hey. You think you can just drop that link on a website like this all willy nilly without a rabbit hole warning?
That’s cool as heck, plus it includes a link to why this 1984 film camera is still the gold standard for underwater film photography.
https://www.casualphotophile.com/2019/06/03/nikon-nikonos-v-camera-review/
I don’t own a camera other than my 5 year old cell phone, but I’m still going down that rabbit hole head-first.
The problem with this idea is that the number of people that are actually willing to buy an adventure product from Jeep is smaller than you’d think. The vast majority of Jeep buyers either want a Wrangler because they think they want one, or they’re buying various versions of America’s Land Rover. Everyone actually over landing or van life-ing are probably going to overlook Jeep for more reputable brands
There are a few, I am one of them.
I just don’t think that there are enough. The Gladiator kind of shows the limits of the brand’s popularity
TheHairyNug- if you look at the article, you can see that the full-on off-road model would be just one of the many variations avaialable. There would certainly be more Pacifica-adjacent lower height, smaller tires models among others
lol that’s an even worse sell
Prompted by earlier talk of Jeep owners, I’ve lately been paying attention to who the drivers are. There is a huge contingent of what I would classify as non-enthusiasts. Or, perhaps, otherwise non-enthusiasts. -Just like Ford was amazed at the number of ‘secretary’s cars’ Mustangs they sold.
And, even aside from the Gladiator owners, there are quite a few that have bought Libertys instead of RAV4s. So I’m thinking if you could start the base model in the upper 30s, you could sell ‘em fast as you could make ‘em
I dig these!
When you considered possibly doing a rear-engined pusher type van I immediately thought of VW and the fact that they have the Scout brand. Given that the Westfalia models really aren’t meant for off-roading this would be an opportunity for VW to do what Jeep almost certainly won’t. Many of the same ideas could apply.
Oooo I’m a big fan of beefcake vans, let’s go!
First off, I agree w the premise that Jeep should have a van, and while we are going there, Chevy should bring back the Astro. I own a 99 AWD Astro, and have added a 3″ lift, 29″ all terrains, locking rear diff, roof fan vent, integrated diesel heater, and probably a ton of other stuff I’m forgetting about.
IMHO, the Astro, and a Jeep version like this article is suggesting, is just an absolute awesome combination of aspects that are completely and totally absent in today’s vehicle market.
The box vans (sprinters etc) are all HUGE, tall, and suck off road. The minivans are all car based, can’t tow anything, and suck off road. The Astro was always a “beefy” minivan with truck components, and I don’t get why that combo doesn’t work today. I tow my boats, sleds, other cars, anything I want really, and it’s all wrapped up in a vehicle that I can overnight/camp in instantly, in any weather condition, and it fits in my garage. Oh, and did I mention it’s LARGER inside than a current Tahoe? Dr Who Phonebooth style bigger on the inside than it is on the outside, idk.
Why not a truck? WHEELBASE. Even ford rangers have a wheel base of 130″, the Astro comes in at around 110″, and if you have a tight driveway or you want to tackle a sharp hairpin on an offroad trail, wheelbase works against you. Astros are closer to wranglers than any other van ever produced, and it’s common to see them on ‘jeep rated’ offroad trails out west.
Now that I’m done with my Astro ted talk, I’ll talk about the jeep. It’s fine… but let’s STOP with the faux forward control styling. Crash requirements and pedestrian impact requirements mean that this is no longer possible, and honestly I find it really irritating that the CANOO or whatever it is fakes this so bad. Look at the CANOO, wow, looks like FC jeep, neato, but then you look closer and the driving position is in the same spot as a normal truck, resulting in an exterior that looks forward control, with an interior that isn’t. This just creates an insanely long dashboard and large overhangs on the ceiling so you won’t be able to see stoplights.
Visual Aid, this is the “fauxward control” Canoo, with a quick photoshop:
https://i.imgur.com/Mhj5Fg0.jpeg
So, yeah on the jeep thing, but let’s just stop with the FC stuff, it’s never going to happen. Something with the proportions similar to the Astro MIGHT be possible, but even that is a stretch as the Astro was ultimately canned because it couldn’t pass impact requirements.
Also if you read this far, I cannot fucking believe Dodge doesn’t sell a midsize Dakota anymore. The 1st and 2nd gen Dakotas were amazing trucks, and given how hot the Tacoma market is, it blows my mind they aren’t trying to revive the nameplate in hopes of redemption after that godawful 3rd gen version.
This guy gets it
I’ve been saying this for years! I did a lengthy comment rant about this a few months ago as well. Not looking for credit (because that would be stupid), I’m just very happy that this article was written as it makes me feel like I’m not the only one wishes Jeep would do it!
I think that it’s really all about what plaforms that Stellantis already has to build on, since something like this would not get a dedicated platform (like the wrangler/gladiator).
That means there are two paths:
Option 1: Jeepify the Pacifica (lift, wheels/tires, new jeep front/rear ends, etc..) and have the option for a pop up tent on the roof that can be accessed from the sunroof holes that are already engineered in to the platform. This could be marketed as the camper van that can still fit in the average U.S. Garage. This should sell shit loads just by itself. Side-benefit, the Pacifica is already in the same platform family as some Jeep products today.
Option 2: Jeepify the Promaster/ducato. Follow the same/similar recipe as the one above, lower volumes but higher profit margins per vehicle.
What Jeep would need to figure out, and was pointed out to me by another Autopian member, is that Jeep would really need to figure out a more durable PTU to use in either application. Since the PTU track history for the Cherokees and others have been bad (from what I’ve heard).
Love these flights of fancy. Big fan of the forward control idea and maybe even a rear engine setup. What would you call it, a Veep, maybe?
Good to see ya over here, man! I’ve always liked yer style, Dude.
First, hell yeah! Fred Williams writing for the Autopian!
Second, if anyone had predicted the vanlyfe/overlanding thing taking off, they could’ve seriously cashed in. Trucks got bigger, but SUVs almost erased vans from public consciousness. I love all the ideas you guys put together, and the versatility is what the buyers would want. I’m just not sure the Wrangler grille works on this design; it’s not enough of a brick. I hate to say it, but the Cherokee face probably fits the shape better.
Cyko9- I did, in fact, try a nose with cleaner seven slots. The good- it looked more modern and a bit less silly/nostalgic. The bad- it looked more modern and bit less silly/nostalgic.
These are fun thought experiments but what Stellantis needs to do if they want to actually print money and be able to fund another weird little projects like this is make a true competitor to the RAV4.
Ditch the compass and the Cherokee and meet in the middle with a true RAV4/CRV competitor. Offer it with either a 4cylinder/hybird or a turbo 4. Throw in retro styling that harkens back to the original xj cherokee and price it right about 35k.
They already tried a rav-4 sized thing with XJ-derived styling, it was called the “compass”. That name was subsequently condemned, and they thought the styling didn’t work, so they tried again renaming it to “Cherokee” and giving it swoopy styling, but alas; it still didn’t work.
Alternatively, I think a big problem with Jeep as a brand currently, is other than the wrangler, nothing else in there lineup is remotely “jeepy”; The next most offroad capable thing is probably the Renegade (the Grand Cherokee is on the Alfa Giulia platform, FFS!) and any non-CJ/Wrangler with a ragtop is a distant memory.
I think the Rav-4 to aim for is the first gen.
Renegade inventory is backing up, everyone who wants one has got one,
so for the next generation, why not rip the roof off, redo the doors with exposed hinges, and weatherproof the interior?
I suspect a lot of “jeep girls” and the like buy wranglers for the retro styling, and the open top, but the sloppy steering, excess NVH, and small cabin volume to outside footprint are all just inconveniences they have to put up with.
This new open-top renegade would satisfy that side of the market, and so long as offroadability remains on the priority list for suspension setup and TCS, it’d be decent for reigning the brand image of jeep away from minivans with pretentions of ruggedness, back into offroady vehicles.
I think there is room for a geotracker type jeep for sure. Especially when you see the love and desire to import the suzuki jiminy thats out there.
I don’t really think either the compass or the cherokee were rav4/crv competitors I feel like they slotted below and above. Can you get a 4 cyclinder Cherokee? In reality the Liberty was maybe the closest they came sizewise but it never had the fuel efficiency either.
It just seems like they are missing a midsized CUV type thing that gets 35ish highway mpg. That seems like a sweet spot for the american market.
Just take a Pacifica or Promaster and Trail-Rate it 😛
Subaru could add their AWD to a Sienna (which is probably better than the actual AWD Sienna on sale now)
can we add a tag for The Bishop- made printable paper models? I know there was at least one in the past I had the desire to do when I’m bored at work, but I’ve forgotten what it was and now I’m curious if there are more!
Glutton for Piech- I think I did just two others. There was a doorstop-looking Tesla thing and an Autopian bus
Our Daydreaming Designer Imagines The Ultimate Autopian Tour Bus – The Autopian
Our Daydreaming Designer Gives The Cybertruck Treatment To Tesla’s Upcoming Low-Cost Cars – The Autopian
LEGAL DISCLAIMER: the Autopian does not condone wasting your employer’s time and money. Do so at your own risk.
Glad that you like them!
Thanks! It was the Tesla!
There was a 50s themed diner my family used to go to that’s long gone now.. but their kids meals came in fold up paperboard 50s American convertibles that these remind me of. When you finished eating, there was an oval shaped punch out in the bottom so you could wear them as a hat!
I googled it to find the restaurant, in case it was a chain. Came up empty, but you can still buy the cars. I’ve spent $30 on dumber shit (I didn’t buy them, but I’m glad to know you can).
That sounds vaguely familiar…was it Studebaker’s?
That does actually sound right! but could be an illusory correlation. A quick google of that shows a diner chain in Ohio that definitely isn’t it. This was ~20 years ago, in Charlotte (if it wasn’t a chain?)if that helps, I *think* the diner was in Matthews township, but could be wrong. I’m sure as long ago as they went bust, it’ll be hard to find info online to confirm. Closest thing I saw online to what I remember is Ruby’s Diner in Carlsbad. I think we should send David on a field trip.
On another note, thanks The Bishop for this walk down memory lane. I haven’t thought about those things in.. well, about two decades.. and that’s why we love it here!
I’m not sure if it was a chain, but I know the one I visited (North Conway, NH) isn’t around anymore. I can’t find much about them at all, aside from some generic business info.
I’m thinking you’re right. I’ll have to ask my older brother when he’s back on dry land, cause it’s gonna bother me.
This was awesome, I hope we get to see more of Fred around here.
extremely sick. would be the only thing to make me consider the jeep brand
This was a really fun read. I would buy this vehicle.
But I can’t accept that this is a van. It doesn’t have sliding doors. Vans should have sliding doors. Automatic ones so I can push a button for my kids to climb in and out.
(*cue y’all sending me pics of “vans” that don’t have sliding doors*)
Jinpupmeow- you aren’t wrong!! Fred really wanted to have one with hinged doors, and I am sure many would like that as well, but the whole idea on both concepts (especially the 2024) is that you can have either hinged or sliding doors. You can choose, just like you can decide if you want dutch doors, a standard tailgate or double doors in back.
So you can have your sliders!
Ah, okay, I misread that, thanks! Where do I put down my $500 deposit?
Sliding doors are an absolute requisite. You can pass larger objects through a sliding door than a side-hinged door. With hinged doors, it’s an SUV. With sliding doors, it’s a van.
Insisting that vans are defined by their sliding doors is a great way to get Diogenes’ed.
Any second now, someone’s going to pop up with an Isuzu Oasis in one hand and a Ford B-Max in the other screaming, “Behold, a van!”
WOW, I have never seen Diogenese turned into a verb. Well done!
*Holds up Peugeot 1007*
“BEHOLD, A VAN!”
Oh, now take this and make a new Dajiban using the Charger Daytona Concept parts
That would be the SRT model. Might even have a roof wing if you’d like.
As long as that roof wing has a red stripe that angles to the front of a black van that’s sliding around every turn with awesome music in the background. Something like this:
https://www.autoevolution.com/news/pity-the-fool-an-official-a-team-van-is-for-sale-153300.html
Step 1 – Add 7 bar grill and left hand drive to Mitsubishi Delica
Step 2 – Tabulate currency
Lol tabulate currency
There is a market for this (e.g., https://www.delicausa.com/listings/1995-mitsubishi-delica-l400-11/).
We could be rich by this time next year!
Exactly what I was going to suggest. The Jeep Colt Van! Surely there’s some fraternal sentimentality left between Chrysler and Mitsubishi?