If you’re an avid Speedhunters fan like me, you’ll know that there are few other automotive publications that can match this site for the diversity of content.
However, I’ve always felt that we’ve been a little too light on some niche genres; mainly those based on North American vehicles and North American styling
The last time of culture (not dajibans or to the deco), the radar flashed back in 2012 via Mike GarrettAmazingly, that post has over 200 non-spam comments, the most recent in 2018. A generally positive response like this leads me to believe that there are plenty of readers like me, too young to have participated in vanning’s heyday in the 70s and 80s, but who still find it fascinating.
Canada’s largest and longest-running van and truck show is Vanfest. I live less than three hours away from the venue in Aylmer, Ontario, so I decided to drive over earlier this month for the 2024 event.
Held in the Springwater Conservation Area, Vanfest has been welcoming Canadian RV enthusiasts for 27 years.
That’s the equivalent of an event that started today and runs until 2051. Its longevity is thanks to the location and all the people behind Vanfest.
The protected area provides ample space for the show and camping, plus a circular road that visitors can drive along at their leisure.
Conservatives
Vanfest is primarily an ode to the classic American van; six or eight cylinder, rear-wheel drive, with sliding doors or barn doors. Vehicles popular for work and family. When vans became viable modification platforms, manufacturers jumped on the bandwagon and released special editions like the Dodge Street Van.
Of course, aftermarket manufacturers also offered van owners almost everything available for hot rods and muscle cars: flares, side pipes, and body kits. If they weren’t readily available, van owners figured out how to make other parts work.
More ambitious owners also made their vans faster than they rolled off the production line. All of these trends continue today.
I wouldn’t call this LS-swapped and supercharged Astro a sleeper because of the ET Street tires on the back. Looking under the hood, I don’t think it’s a slouch.
The rise of vanning is also likely attributed to the fact that, unlike many muscle cars, they could comfortably fit passengers. Building on this, owners soon began matching their interiors to the exterior.
The things in this area eventually developed into mobile living quarters that could rival the wildest Pimp my car interior remodeling. Chandeliers, aquariums, fireplaces – I’ve seen vans outfitted with all of the above and more.
Vans also offered plenty of space for airbrush artists. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more inviting canvas for a vehicle to paint than the side of a van.
As an outsider, the murals and themes are one of the most engaging parts of the culture.
I can barely decide on a single solid color for my bike, let alone a name and color scheme for an entire vehicle, 1:1 or otherwise.
Today, bus owners, in addition to interior and exterior designers, must also be preservationists. For example, the last GM G-Series bus – a popular platform among the bus community – was produced 28 years ago.
This means that even relatively ‘new’ vans like Safari are at their best. youngest, Now 20 years old.
I’m sure every owner who attended Vanfest spent a few hours at a flea market or junkyard looking for the right part to keep their vehicle running.
Come on, come on everyone
Vanfest is not exclusively for vanners. The event also opens the doors to air-cooled buses, classic trucks and one of my personal favorites: mini trucks.
But since I’ll also be attending another event later this year that’s even more focused on mini trucks, from now on we’ll focus on vehicles that I only see at Vanfest.
The painter’s touch
This is clearly not a van, but there is no denying that it is done in a style that suits Vanfest. Known as Sinister, This truck has been airbrushed by renowned artist Ken Kay.
Vanfest 27 was the first time in over 20 years that the truck was on display.
It definitely showed some wear and tear, but all in all it still holds up well. I love a good comeback story, don’t you?
There is no missing Ivan Benic’s Cosmic cruiser. This Chevy-based van was a popular showpiece in the 80s and 90s, appearing in magazines worldwide long before the internet. A few years ago, it got a 2000s makeover and has been on the road ever since.
Stretched to an incredible 34 feet long, the Chevy is a rolling demonstration of Ivan’s airbrushing abilities. Ivan also did the bodywork modifications himself, including the unique front end of the bus.
Although it’s powered by a 400-horsepower V8, Ivan said it’s not too bad on gas once it’s up to speed. Both front wheels turn, making it as handling-friendly as a vehicle of this size can be.
Soldered and confused – a heavily chopped and modified G-series bus – is the last vehicle I want to highlight.
Like many other vehicles at Vanfest 27, it features low-offset wheels, white tires and a leaning stance.
The roof has been hacked to pieces quite a bit and instead of welding the metal back together, everything has been soldered – a metal joining process not often used for steel panels.
Instead of covering all the solder joints with filler and paint, it was left rough and given a clear coat of lacquer.
Vanning has always been a unique part of car culture and honestly it was refreshing to see creations where creativity was paramount and the opinions of others were paramount.
Car events should be fun, and that’s exactly what Vanfest 27 was.
Dave Thomas
Instagram: stanceiseverythingcom
Cutting room floor
