Vanner Hoodies

Holden introduced the Sandman ute in 1974 as part of the HQ series and based on base models, but with extras including the comprehensive dashboard from the Monaro, two seats, and sport wheels. It immediately hit a sales sweet spot with younger male buyers, outselling the Monaro, and promptly dubbed “shaggin’ wagon” and “sin-bin” and becoming the catalyst for similar vehicles from other manufacturers trying to cash in on the Sandman craze. By the late '70s, the fizz had almost completely gone from the Sandman's market as people who wanted a surf wagon already owned one and new buyers were moving on to other trends, so 1978 was the model's last hurrah, though they very much have held their cult status to this very day.

California's Martin Specialty Products started out as a manufacturer of RV products in the early '60s, but changed direction to focus on the burgeoning custom van market in 1972. Initially reworking any of the applicable RV products from their existing line for van use, they quickly caught up with an entire line of new custom van accessories which included everything from body kits and spoilers to sunroofs and porthole windows - everything a vanner could ever want to trick out their ride.

These two young gypsy boys were at The Appleby Horse Fair a few years ago when I took this picture, but I have placed them on a beach where I think they look so at home walking through the waves on the shoreline. Edited in PhotoshopCC and Topaz,

The "Caution Can Talk About Vans Forever" design is the perfect way to show your love for van life culture. With its bold typography and clever wordplay, this print is sure to turn heads and start conversations wherever you go. Order yours today and join the van life community!

An epic wizard burns out in his 70s style van with a palantir for a shifter knob. The eyes in his beard are watching you!

By the mid-seventies, the custom van craze was in full swing and could be seen across the country as a healthy subset of Americans embraced van culture. The scene brought together traits from several other subcultures including hippies, hot rodders, and bikers, creating a melting pot that would go on to define van culture for decades to come. While vanners were all unique, they all lived by a single common mantra - live free or die - something that I think everyone can get behind. Keep on truckin'

Brown Bay Gypsy Vanner Draft Horse LOVE

Black Pinto Piebald Gypsy Vanner Draft Horse Trotting in Snow

Prince is one of the Gypsy Vanner stallions at the Freelands. You can see videos of him by Freelands Gypsy Horses. Reference photo Beth, at The Freelands.

Vehicle Engineering and Manufacturing Company (VEMCO) was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1976, when the company began performing 4x4 conversions on full size vans utilizing the Dana developed V-Drive 4x4 system. Built using a Twin I-Beam front suspension, V-Drive added the equivalent of a Dana 30 differential to each beam. Calling their conversions VX4, Vemco four-wheel drive vans had the plush suspension setup that was previously only afforded to passenger cars, and the 4x4 capability reserved for rugged off-roaders, but sadly, only 250 of these conversions were done, so they are rare to say the least.

As the '80s approached, American Motors’ public relations people needed a marketing gimmick to engage with the public. They came up with a nationwide tour of concept vehicles designed to remind Americans of AMC’s strong suit - small cars that were domestically built, economical to operate, and designed to cater to their lifestyle. Calling it the “Concept 80” tour, AMC created seven different design concepts and at each stop on the tour, the public was asked to vote for their favorite of which, the AM Van the clear winner. The AM Van concept was built on their existing Pacer platform and aside from its wild styling, was to be turbocharged and 4WD, though the concept was never actually fitted with a powertrain or a finished interior.

Boogie vans, shaggin wagons, rolling rooms, we love them all! We're custom vanners.

Rollin’ Rooms Van and Custom of San Bernardino was a preeminent custom van builder that was on the front end of the custom street van craze of the '70s. From mild to wild, Rollin’ Rooms turned out some of the era’s most amazing vans, while also applying their trade to a few custom cars and motorcycles. This design celebrates a time when tricked out vans ruled the streets and includes a tricked out van and vanner girl on roller skates along with bitchin’ retro typography and simulated metal flake paintwork.

In 1968, Costa Mesa, California boat maker Jensen Marine decided to apply their craftsmanship to the creation of a class B motorhome. Using their extensive fiberglass experience, Jensen built a modular cab over camper unit that could be adapted to any van cab chassis. Their unique approach and boat building expertise made for a high-end motorhome that was rock solid and tight as a drum, which made leaks, squeaks, and rattles nonexistent. They marketed these class B RVs under the name Balboa Motorhomes, promoting them as the best way to 'travel in style' to upmarket clientele. The initial models were built on second-generation Econolines, a few were made using third-generation G-series vans, and eventually, they were built on Tradesmans.

original oil painting on canvas

Design inspired by Casanova, a Gypsy Vanner stallion at Freelands Gypsy Horses. Reference photo Beth, at The Freelands.

original oil painting on canvas

Show off your love of the nomadic lifestyle with our Van Life print, featuring iconic peace signs, heart for love, and beautiful floral accents. Perfect for any free-spirited explorer looking to hit the road in style.

Based in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, Oshawa Cylinder Head was a machine shop that focused on the manufacturing and machining of cylinder heads. In addition to walk in projects, they maintained contracts with several manufacturers to provide them with custom spec cylinder heads, supplying them to their Ontario engine plants for final assembly.

The classics.

Boogie vans, shaggin wagons, rolling rooms, we love them all! We're custom vanners.

"Hey baby, you going my way?" Beginning back in the Depression, it used to be very normal to see someone sticking their thumb out in an effort to signal that they needed a ride and get a passing motorist to pick them up. Whether people were just looking for conversation on a long drive, hoping to get lucky, or just being nice, hitchhikers were a ubiquitous sight across America. Nowadays, hitchhiking is perceived as dangerous, and few drivers are willing to pick someone up. Police discourage it, and many states ban it. Since the '60s, the percentage of households that own cars has steadily increased, and the proportion of those with multiple cars has grown even faster. As cars have lasted longer and gotten cheaper, fewer people need a lift.

Vintage van accessory ads.

Van life design with "To Travel is to Live" inside print.

A boogie van is 50% muscle car, 50% rolling room, and 100% party. Whether it's cruising the local strip, or hitting the highway for an extended road trip to nowhere, the classic boogie van aims to please. So be sure to batten down the hatches and secure your load, and let's boogie!

Looking for the perfect design for your next van life adventure? Check out our psychedelic striped design, complete with colorful flowers and a dynamic peace logo. With its eye-catching pattern, this shirt is sure to turn heads and keep you comfortable on the road. Don't settle for basic tees when you can choose something truly unique and beautifully designed.

Looking for the perfect design to showcase your love for van life? Check out this Van Life print emblazoned with the phrase "Life is Best in My Van." Whether you're traveling the country or spending a night by the beach, this design is the perfect addition to your van life wardrobe.

Looking for a comfortable and stylish addition to your Van Life wardrobe? This simplistic and trendy "Van Life" design will have you feeling confident and fashionable no matter where the road takes you.

Van life "It's All About The Journey Peace" print.

Founded in 1924,Echlin was a leading manufacturer of automotive replacement parts, steadily growing through a series of acquisitions of smaller companies that could provide instant access to expansion areas of interest. One such company was Ace Electric, a manufacturer of components for alternators, generators, and starters acquired in 1970. Echlin leveraged Ace Electric to get into the high-performance ignition system market in 1972. These racing quality ignition parts were marketed under the name ACCEL which, despite fierce competition, soon became the leading name in the field and a popular upgrade among hot rod, muscle car, and drag racing enthusiasts.

BOOGIE VAN HOODIE T-SHIRT