Description
Make - Dodge
Model – B100 Tradesman (318ci / 5. 2l V8, 3 Speed Auto)
Year – 1973
MOT & TAX – not required, falls under classic category
Description:
Up for sale is my 1973 Dodge B100 Tradesman Shorty Van. It still has its original 318ci V8 with 3 speed auto box. It came over from California in 2018, so has lived pretty much all of its life in a sunny warm climate. This is evident in how free from rust the body and underside is which can be seen in a few photos, I have more if required. It has power steering, non-power brakes although they are discs at the front.
The car runs and drives good, I used it to get back and forward to work for about 3 months solid before I realised petrol costs were higher than expected! Engine will always start, even if it requires a few pumps of the throttle to get it started on colder days. Looks to be the original Holley carb still in place judging by its condition and my research. It pulls nicely up to about 60mph, then doesn’t really want to go much faster than that. Never stutters or hesitates. Brakes work… like any other 70s American car. All the main lights/ indicators etc. work. Most of the interior lights do not. Gauges work including speedo, oil pressure, and temp.
When I got the van the first thing I did was service all the main items including:
- Oil & filter (20W-50)
- Air Filter
- Fuses
- Spark Plugs (RN14YC)
- New Petrol Cap
- Replaced Cigarette Lighters (for power sockets)
- Ignition Starter Switch
- Ballast Resistor
- Ignition Start Relay
- New Battery
- Made Up Brand New Entire Battery Cables
Cosmetically the van is obviously not perfect! I have no idea of the history of the van whatsoever, and this is how it came into the country. The van clearly has a colourful past, including a very 70’s looking paint job at some point in its life, of which half of it has come away leaving the original faded orange colour exposed on the top half. It was an orange van from new from what I can tell from the VIN number, which I believe was actually an extra cost colour. The front seats and dash all look original, although the gauge cluster looks to have been replaced as it’s a different colour, so I can’t guarantee what the mileage is. It also has very period correct side windows cut in, and a roof scoop. None of these leak and the van is very much water tight. Also has a big aftermarket front grill.
It has period correct aftermarket wheels, I can’t tell what brand they are, with Cooper Cobra radial tyres that have loads of life left in them. It has a custom mild steel exhaust connected to the original headers which is in good condition and looks fairly recent. It has two silencers on the exhaust so it’s not silly loud. It has a chin spoiler, sun visor, aftermarket mirrors which I put on due to not liking the previous ones. A big 5 panel rear view mirror. Aftermarket stereo with built in speakers at the rear bench which all works. The rear bench folds down to a flat bed, and carpet throughout. The interior stuff all looks fairly recent. It has an additional 2 seat bench in the middle with built in seatbelts which I put in so I could take the kids out in it, this is simply bolted to the floor and can be removed easily. The heating does not work as the heater box is cracked and has a big hole in it, hence the small dash mounted heater that plugs into the power socket.
Overall the van is very period correct, but also very used, please bare that in mind. This is by no means a show car, and has plenty of flaws. It has clearly been used a lot through its life, and as I mentioned I have no idea of its history, I can only give you my honest opinion of it whilst it has been in my possession. I bought this as my little boy loves hot wheels cars and trucks, and this very much looks like a giant hot wheels. It’s a great van for the family, going to the beach etc. It’s perfectly useable as it stands, and turns heads and smiles where ever it goes. Either that or it’s a great rust free base to spend a bit of money on a make it a real nice 70’s inspired show van. Me and my family will miss it very much, but does not get used anywhere near enough to warrant keeping it any more. It also only costs me £140 to insure for the year!
Price - £9, 750. No P/ X.
Location - Southend-On-Sea, Essex
