Van Helpthings

March 28 2018, Saanich Peninsula, Vancouver Island - Lee Iaccoca fake newsed that "Chrysler Invented the Minivan" in the early 80s (that greatest period of American automotive kingdumb). The van auto body style had been around long before that, but cars and hucksters were made for each other - the slogan saved his company.

VW didn't really invent them either, but their microbuses' popularity surely paved the way for a real market segment for everyone else. Ford, Dodge and Chevrolet came out with cargo and passenger van lines in the 60s, though they likely went out of public favor with COE (cab over engine) configurations that left drivers as the first point of impact in an accident.

As with any kind of old automobile, it's aways nice to find one in reasonable condition and still in use as a daily driver. We came across this solid 1964 Ford Falcon van at a marina near the Victoria ferry terminal. While another fool might have stripped it down and spent countless hours and money making it look new, this owner seems to appreciate the different value in originality. Surprisingly little rust is coming through for a vehicle that sits near the ocean all it's life - but a little too much to call patina. Some day a decision may have to be made to save, but that opens up a can of worms and a world of hurt on the pocketbook.

We expect we could visit this same place in a few years and still see this old iron showing up for work every day. May you never rest in pieces.