2. BIGGER, HARDER, COOLER
- There are plenty of cool cars in Hollywood, from
Bullitt to the Bandit. Sure these shiny specimens
can go fast and look good, but what happens
when the hero needs a little more? Enter the
sports car’s big brother, the Hollywood van -
bigger, harder and much much cooler.
4. 1971 GMC VENTURA
- In the original TV series this van was played by a 1983 GMC
Ventura cargo van. Its boxy angles and sporty exterior made it an
instant classic and one that catapulted sales of General Motors
staple van into space.
- In the 2010 movie incarnation of the series, the producers
considered using a more modern incarnation, but instead went with
an even older 1971 GMC Ventura. Thankfully in its 25 year
production the looks changed very little, and this model is almost
indistinguishable from the original.
- 2 ‘crazy fools’ from the UK have painstakingly recreated the original
1983 GMC. Liam and Jerome Brett now offer van hire for big
events, so if you have a wedding coming up and don’t fancy getting
on no plane, this is surely the only option.
-
THE A TEAM
VAN
8. SCOOBY DOOBY DOO
- Another example of a van being far more than just a mode of transport,
and being as much a character as Scooby or Shaggy. The Mystery
Machine is a staple of the fantastically popular cartoon series and is
instantly recognisable to anyone who watched Scooby Doo as a kid.
- Unlike the other vans in the list, the Mystery Machine has the benefit of
being in a cartoon universe, which gives it some handy extra features. Its
walls are filled with electronic hardware, it has an attachable satellite
dish, plenty of useful objects are packed into the back, plus there’s room
for a mystery solving team and their trusty dog.
- Whether it’s the 1960 Ford Taunus or the late 1980’s Chevrolet they used
in the live action films, this fan favourite has inspired many van fanatics
to transform their vehicle into the trusty mean green mystery machine.
Taking all forms from a limousine to the classic campers, this may be the
most popular van on the list.
THE
MYSTERY
MACHINE
12. WHO YOU GONNA CALL?
- When are trusty vans aren’t solving mysteries, fighting crime or
getting half of the United States high, what else would they be
doing other than chasing ghosts? Ghostbusters’ Ecto-1 is as big and
scary as the ghosts it’s busting.
- This monster started life as a 1959 Cadillac Miller Meteor
Ambulance conversion, but was modified by Dr Ray Stanz to be
able to fit 4 Proton Packs and go a lot faster. In Stantz's own words,
it needs "suspension work and shocks, brakes, brake pads, lining,
steering box, transmission, rear end... new rings, mufflers, a little
wiring...."
- In the upcoming reboot director Paul Feig has decided to alter the
classic Ecto-1. Keeping with the classic stylings of the original
instead of a modern incarnation, the new Ecto-1 looks to be a
modified 1983 Cadillac Superior Hearse, rather fittingly for a ghost-
busting vehicle.
GHOSTBUSTE
R’S ECTO 1
14. THE CRYSTAL SHIP
- Anyone who has given some time to this breakthrough series will
know that the RV plays a central role from the very first episode.
The mobile meth lab, or “Krystal Ship” as Jesse later nicknames it,
is a worn out 1986 Fleetwood Bounder.
- With as little in the way of style as Walter White, the pleasure
comes from seeing this old hunk of junk play host to the antics of
the mismatched pair, becoming as much of a character and
developing its story to the point that we cringe at seeing it crushed
in the third series.
- This just goes to show, even the most unsuspecting of vans can
become an icon, with a few crooks, bullet holes and drug labs.
BREAKING
BAD’S
CRYSTAL
SHIP