Famous Vans in Television and Movies
Vans have played a significant role in television and film, from classics like “It’s A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World” to the “Fast & Furious” franchise. This article spotlights some of the most unforgettable vans to appear on screen.
The A-Team Van
Anyone who grew up in the 80s remembers “The A-Team,” which aired for 97 episodes between 1983 and 1987. This show featured George Peppard and Mr. T, who drove the team around in a 1983 GMC Vandura. The van had a distinctive look with its gray and black paint, red stripes, a spoiler, bull bar, and extra lights.
Multiple vans were used during filming. At least eight vans were used, with two designated as “hero cars” for slow-speed driving and interior shots, while the others were stunt vehicles. The A-Team vans were powered by a GM 350 V8 engine. Fans have successfully replicated the A-Team Vandura.
The Little Miss Sunshine Bus
The Volkswagen Type II, commonly known as the Bus, VW Van, Transporter, or Kombi, gained fame in the 2006 film “Little Miss Sunshine.” The movie, which earned an Oscar nomination for Best Picture, used a yellow bus. The film’s ensemble cast included Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Greg Kinnear, and Alan Arkin. The bus was known for repeatedly breaking down during the family’s cross-country trip.
The Mutt Cutts Van
The 1994 comedy “Dumb and Dumber” featured the Mutt Cutts mobile grooming center. The van was a 1984 Ford Econoline E-150 modified to resemble a sheepdog. The transformation included tan shag carpeting on the exterior, a tail, and a pink tongue attached to the front bumper. The film starred Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels. The Mutt Cutts van also made an appearance in the 2014 sequel, “Dumb and Dumber To.”
The “Up In Smoke” Cannabis Van
Before cannabis was legalized in many places, Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong starred in the stoner comedy “Up In Smoke” (1978). The film’s plot revolves around a van made entirely of cannabis. The van was a Chevrolet P-10 step van from the 1960s. A replica of the van is now located at the Green City Collective dispensary in Los Angeles.
Kelso’s Dodge Van from “That ’70s Show”
In the second season of “That ’70s Show,” Michael Kelso (Ashton Kutcher) receives a 1964 Dodge A-100 van. The van, which had shag carpeting in the cargo area, was the site of some key moments in the show, but it eventually met its end when it fell through the ice on a frozen pond.
The Mystery Machine
The most famous van might be The Mystery Machine from the “Scooby-Doo” series. This brightly-colored van transported Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, and the gang throughout their adventures. The exact make and model of the van has been the subject of speculation for decades. It is believed to be either a mid-’60s Dodge A-100 or a Chevy G-body model.
