Factory Built 1991 Dodge Dual Axle Ram Van
Now in its third decade of life, this custom van has changed hands more than once. Everything on and in the van still works, thanks in large part to a fulfilling life of sunshine and pleasant weather in the Southwest.
A glimpse at the 1991 Dodge Dual Axle Ram Van
The 1991 Dodge Dual Axle Ram Van was built towards the end of the whole custom van fad. However, there are still fans out there who are interested in purchasing the vehicle. Aside from the fact that it's still in pretty good shape overall, the van stands out the most for its spacious interior, which has been well preserved and seems to be quite comfortable.
One of these retro gems has ended up at Barn Finds, where it's currently up for sale.
California dreaming
Custom vans appeared to be most popular during the 1970s. While the trend continued throughout the 80s, it was certainly at the tail end when this dual axle van rode off the Dodge lot.
A quick glance at Pinterest reveals a number of highly popular custom vans, many of which were used to transport people and cargo on road trips. The California coast seemed to be an especially popular destination for custom vans and their owners.
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1 of 1
According to its seller, the 1991 Dodge Dual Axle Ram Van is a "1 of 1," a rare factory-built Dodge Ram van.
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A dual-axle design
Despite its hefty appearance, the van doesn't physically need both axles to drive. In fact, Barn Finds calls one axle a "poseur." In reality, the extra tag axle is simply there to help with weight distribution.
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Born to entertain
As you can imagine, this plush puppy has done some serious entertaining in its day. Despite decades of use, the interior has held up surprisingly well. Barn Finds calls the interior "fantastic," while noting that the van is "not really a camping van but more of a weekender." Rounding out the quirky inside is a sink behind the driver's seat and an a/c system to keep everyone cool.
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Won't win any awards for performance
As you can imagine, a van of this size and heft isn't exactly the most fuel-efficient. Barn Finds estimates the fuel economy could be a mere eight 8 mpg. The van is also said to have a 360 V8 engine that puts out roughly 155 HP.
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Sunburn and rust
As you can expect from a van that hasn't experienced life in the Rust Belt, this Dodge is in fairly good shape despite its age. Over the years, it's traded hands four times. The original owner, a Dodge dealer from Los Angeles, reportedly requested the custom van.
Details about subsequent owners are scarce, but it at least appears to have spent its life in the Southwest. Such a lifestyle explains why despite potential spots of sunburnt paint, the van has retained its original paint and seems to be rust-free.
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Inspired by Hot Wheels
Every vehicle has a source of inspiration. For this Dodge van, it's likely the fact that its owner "seems to specialize in Hot Wheels." As is the case with most Hot Wheels toy cars, this van catches attention with its large chrome wheels, unique exterior paint job, and tires that sport big bold lettering.
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On to the next adventure
A vehicle like the 1991 Dodge Dual Axle Ram Van serves a limited purpose, but it's done quite well. The most recent owner "recently bought it in Las Vegas and drove it home to Tucson," reporting that the van "worked perfectly" along the way. Indeed, Barn Finds confirms that "every single thing works on and in this cool creation." The van is up for grabs in Tucson, Arizona, with a price tag of $13,000 to buy it now. The auction ends in 6 days as of this writing.
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