Curbside Classic Outtake: Chevy VanUp

by Paul Niedermeyer

Updated: February 22nd, 2011 Published: September 12th, 2010

The Mitsubishi Vanup turned out out to be surprisingly popular: Fark picked it up and gave our servers a bit of a workout. Well, we have more where that came from. Here’s a very well executed domestic version on the same theme, right down to the “Chevy Vanup” tailgate logo and VANUP vanity plates. But unless the owners (UO students) do something about it quick, this thing is headed for the impound yard. And how will it be described by the police?

I didn’t catch the tailgate and plates until I looked at these shots, otherwise I would have bothered to walk across the street and get a better shot.

I saw this vanup in a frat parking lot last spring several times, but didn’t make the effort to get close to it. And when I realized that the school year was up this summer, I suddenly got regretful, given the odds that the frats would not be returning. But there it was on the street the other day, obviously parked there for some time, because the police have gotten pretty aggressive with it. It rarely goes to this stage with a boot. There’s some evidence underneath the rear end that perhaps the vanup is ailing, and won’t drive away under its own steam. Well, it’ll get help with that real soon.

More New Curbside Classics Here

#ChevyPickup-van #ChevyVan #FrankensteinCars #Vanup #WeirdCars

Paul Niedermeyer

More by Paul Niedermeyer

Comments

Join the conversation

2 of 20 comments

DaveA on Sep 13, 2010

Remeber the big 5th wheel RV hauler conversions from the 80's? Back before crew cab pick ups were popular, some of the van conversion companies took E-350 dually cuttaways and added an extended cab and fiberglass p/u bed. There is one down the street from me - clean yet gawdy as ever....

Like Reply
Joeaverage on Sep 15, 2010

I've seen some fullsized pickups with a cover just over the front of the bed. Looks almost like they added a rear seat under a fiberglass cover. What the heck is that? Extra cab space for stuff? Just honestly curious. Seen them in traffic, never up close.

Like Reply

Recent Comments

Wjtinfwb My comment about "missing the mark" was directed at, of the mentioned cars, none created huge demand or excitement once they were introduced. All three had some cool aspects; Thunderbird was pretty good exterior, let down by the Lincoln LS dash and the fairly weak 3.9L V8 at launch. The Prowler was super cool and unique, only the little nerf bumpers spoiled the exterior and of course the V6 was a huge letdown. SSR had the beans, but in my opinion was spoiled by the tonneau cover over the bed. Remove the cover, finish the bed with some teak or walnut and I think it could have been more appealing. All three were targeting a very small market (expensive 2-seaters without a prestige badge) which probably contributed. The PT Cruiser succeeded in this space by being both more practical and cheap. Of the three, I'd still like to have a Thunderbird in my garage in a classic color like the silver/green metallic offered in the later years.
D Screw Tesla. There are millions of affordable EVs already in use and widely available. Commonly seen in Peachtree City, GA, and The Villages, FL, they are cheap, convenient, and fun. We just need more municipalities to accept them. If they'll allow AVs on the road, why not golf cars?
ChristianWimmer Best-looking current BMW in my opinion.
Analoggrotto Looks like a cheap Hyundai.
Honda1 It really does not matter. The way bidenomics is going nobody will be able to afford shyt.