This 1976 Toyota Chinook listed on Bring A Trailer was refurbished not long ago. Keeping with the 1970s decor, it received new brick-patterned wallpaper, woodgrain flooring, and a folding Naugahyde sofa bed. Yet it was also tastefully updated with solar panels, a concealed Porta-Potti, and a backup camera. 

Gallery: 1976 Toyota Chinook Pop-Top Camper

Inside, the pop-top camper includes a small kitchenette with a sink, a two-burner cooktop, and a 12-volt refrigerator. Despite its small size, there is abundant storage in the form of cabinets, space underneath the couch, and shelves that line the underside of the pop-up roof. Large sliding windows give the camper an airy feel to what would otherwise be a claustrophobic space.   

Toyota trucks of the mid to late 1970s used a carburated 2.2-liter 20R four-cylinder engine, typically mated to a four-speed manual transmission or three-speed automatic. The stout engine proved extremely durable but only produced between 90 and 97 horsepower and about 122 pound-feet of torque. The dearth of power meant that the approximately 3,500-pound camper could only make slow and steady progress as it roamed the countryside. 

Even though the Toyota Chinook pop-top camper is smaller than something like the Dodge Ram pop-top or even the Chevrolet Blazer Chalet, it makes the most of its usable space. It’s closer to the size and performance of a vintage Volkswagen Vanagon camper and just as livable. Recently, Volkswagen announced it would start making a camper version of the Multivan known as the T7 California.

In 2021, Toyota revealed a Toyota Tacoma overland camper concept at SEMA. Inspired by the original 1970s Toyota Chinooks, it was dubbed Tacozilla but, unfortunately, never made it to production.  

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The owner, Gordon, purchased the bus for just over two thousand dollars from a school district auction. He started without a concrete plan for converting the bus, just some ideas for making it flexible and useable in various ways. While he doesn’t live in his rig full-time, he does work out of it and uses it as a tool for his business. 

Gallery: Max Max Style School Bus Camper

After buying the bus, Gordon began tearing it down, shortening the interior space to build a cargo deck. He worked a solid month to fabricate all the structural components but spent the last two years adding details and building out the interior. The work is a passion project for him as he continues to add refinements and make improvements. 

The two decks store equipment and haul materials for Gordon’s different work projects. The top deck has a sturdy wire mesh floor, great for securing items with tie-downs and bungee cords. The bottom deck is a work platform with a removable canopy and a crane for lifting heavy objects. Gordon says he got the idea for the layout and the crane from how intermodal shipping containers are moved around. 

Inside the front of the bus are four captain chairs, all of the electronic controls, and a workstation. A kitchen includes a small sink, refrigerator-freezer combo, and stove. At the rear of the interior are more cubbies for storage and a bedroom area that can be partitioned off for privacy. 

Even though the bus has a Mad Max vibe with its flat, dark grey exterior and unique layout, Gordon insists the design and aesthetics were built to be functional. He admits the vehicle looks like something a prepper would own but says the survivalist mentality didn’t influence his design. He has no illusions of surviving a zombie apocalypse and never worries about where to buy diesel fuel if the world ends.  

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The project starts by stripping parts off the van. The builders add a coating to the underbody, fenders, and side sills. The rest of the body gets a greenish-gray coat of paint. Cutting into the body makes space for adding windows and skylights. A custom-built water tank mounts underneath the vehicle.

The interior receives insulation on the floor and walls. The builders engineer a power bed lift to make it easier to unload the couple’s e-bikes out of the back. The kitchenette includes a tiny oven and refrigerator. Magnetic panels hold knives and other utensils. There are also some clever storage solutions, like a cubby for holding laptops. A fully reclining chair offers a spot to relax.

The roof features solar panels that can tilt upward to maximize their effectiveness. This also makes the skylights more functional by not blocking the sunlight from entering the cabin.

What makes this van so impressive is that it is all custom. The build starts as a cargo vehicle with an open rear. From there, the couple outfits the rig to become a motorhome that can take them on outdoor adventures.

The builders are selling the complete plans for this build for $125. It includes the parts list, 3D models, and custom water tank instructions. There’s also access to the couple’s Van Design Course.

In the United States, the Fiat Ducato is the Ram ProMaster van, and it’s also a frequently used platform for building motorhomes. For example, Winnebago introduced the Solis Pocket 36B using this model as the basis in July 2023. The model has a compact floor plan that packs a dinette and a wet bath into the small space. The shower is at the back, which means owners can open the rear doors to enjoy getting clean while enjoying the outdoors.

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The customizable interior features airline rails throughout, providing optional mounting points to secure additional equipment. Customers can opt for two additional seats, which can serve as a small seating area with the front driver and passenger seat swiveled around. Lashing-eye fittings are available, too, capable of securing a wide variety of cargo.

Gallery: Dethleffs Yoka Go

Ingress and egress are made easy with an extra-wide habitation door on the side of the camper. It measures approximately 45.28 inches (115 centimeters) wide, so people wearing bulky gear will have little trouble getting in and out of the camper. At the back, the car-like rear liftgate and low floor make accessing the interior a breeze, especially when retrieving large equipment like a bike.

The camper features a compact kitchen corner. It has 2.64-gallon (10-liter) waste water and fresh water tanks. It has a small, round sink and an induction plate for cooking. Customers can opt to fit the kitchen’s slide-out drawer with a 9.25-gallon (35-liter) optional fridge, a $1,211 (1,299-euro) option at today’s exchange rate.

At the back of the van is the seating area, which consists of two benches on the outer edges of the layout that contain additional storage space. A free-standing, variable table functions as the van’s work and eating surface, but move the table, and the benches can fold into a bed for two. It measures 53.15 inches by 78.74 inches (135 cm by 200 cm).

One of the main features of the van is its large, customizable wardrobe. It has movable shelves designed to hold a bunch of adventure gear like wetsuits, but these spacious perks come at a cost. While the closet is big and has ample storage space, the van lacks a proper bathroom – no shower or toilet. It also only sleeps two, which might turn off some buyers.

Dethleffs bases the Yoka Go on the Ford Transit with the Ford EcoBlue diesel engine. It measures 19.65 feet (5.99 m) long and costs $50,423 (46,999 euros). Options include a rearview camera, a cassette awning, an exterior design package, and blackout blinds.

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In this case, previous century refers to time as well as Toyota’s second-generation luxo-barge. In 1997, the G50 Century debuted with fresh (if boxy) styling and something not seen in Japan either before or since – a V12 engine. Specifically, it was a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated engine that, per Japan’s infamous gentleman’s agreement, had a rating of 276 horsepower. In markets outside the country, however, 295 hp was mentioned. Either way, it had more than enough power to send this sizable sedan down the road.

Instagrammer Diivinemedia bought this particular Century a year ago, basically as soon as it was eligible for import under the US 25-year rule. In his care, he added a Junction Produce body kit to give the sedan a bit more attitude, and the suspension obviously isn’t stock. It’s an air ride setup borrowing components from the Lexus LS400, and while the wheels are also factory, they’ve been modified to feature spinning center caps.

Moving inside, the reclining rear seats with massage functions don’t look out of place in 2023, so you can imagine how they were received in 1997. The curtains for the side and rear windows are also factory items, and on the back window, they’re power-operated.

According to the owner, the modest build on this Century took only a few months. The car presently has 54,000 miles, and with it being a rare machine in its home market, it’s extremely rare on streets in the US.

Still, at least these cars are available to those in the States who want one. The 2023 Toyota Century SUV unveiled on September 6 is basically a Japanese-market Rolls-Royce Cullinan, rocking a four-seat layout with reclining rear thrones that are isolated from the cargo area by a divider. This helps ensure the cabin is as quiet as possible, and when it’s time to step out, passengers have powered steps and a choice of standard or sliding doors to use. It will not be available in North America, but if it were, the starting price would be somewhere around $170,000.

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Mercedes describes the van’s outfitting as “the best or nothing.” The build starts with a 170-inch wheelbase, all-wheel-drive Sprinter Cargo. ESPN wanted something that could function as a studio and be a place for fan engagement. The interior is understated, with dark lighting, quilted wall fabric, and an illuminated shelf displaying football helmets. Red LED ambient lighting adds to the ambiance.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz USA teams up with ESPN in brand campaign to launch docuseries Sprinter Labs

Recording duties come courtesy of microphones on a pedestal with swiveling seating for conducting interviews. There’s a smart screen and camera system. Wi-Fi equipment allows for broadcasting the shows, and acoustic panels keep things quiet.

The exterior has a predominantly red wrap with the ESPN College Football and Sprinter Labs logos on it. Opening the rear doors reveals a tailgating setup with a grille, refrigerator, and lots of storage. Solar panels are on the roof.

Mercedes intends to make Sprinter Labs a multi-year undertaking. Each season, the company will partner with a brand and build a custom van to match the plans for the project. A four-episode short video series will chronicle the partnership and the vehicle build process.

Mercedes will promote the Sprinter Labs videos throughout social media, including on its YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn pages.

The Mercedes Sprinter is a very popular platform for various conversions. People can build them as high-riding overlanders for camping in the wilderness or for specific outdoor sports.

In February 2023, Mercedes unveiled the production version of the eSprinter electric van that’s coming to the United States before the end of the year. It’s available as a base model with 134 horsepower or a 201-hp configuration. The lithium-iron-phosphate battery has a 113-kilowatt-hour capacity. In Europe’s WLTP test, this pack provides 311 miles of driving range. The load area measures 488 cubic feet and can carry up to 9,369 pounds. Inside, the eSprinter comes with the MBUX infotainment system with software for estimating the vehicle’s range by considering traffic and topography. Prices start at $74,181 after the destination fee.

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This E-Type Roadster has other important ties to Jaguar. The first owner was Frank England who ran the brand’s sports car racing program in the 1950s and later became the automaker’s CEO.

Gallery: 1961 Jaguar E-Type Series I 3.8-Liter Roadster

Jaguar built two road-going E-Type prototypes that the company used for internal testing. England was the company’s assistant managing director at the time, and he allocated the next production-spec right-hand-drive Roadster to himself. This made the car the first one that Jag sold to a customer. England also loaned out his E-Type to the press and for publicity events.

After changing hands a few times, this E-Type sat disassembled from 1975 to 2002. Classic Motor Cars Ltd. then did a multi-year restoration, which included creating a new hood to the original specifications. It still has the original numbers-matching engine. The Jag won the Feline Finesse Award at the 2018 Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The early E-Type uses a 3.8-liter inline-six engine with three SU carburetors that makes 265 horsepower. It has a four-speed manual gearbox. The four-wheel disc brakes and four-wheel independent suspension were high-tech features by 1961 standards. 

Gooding & Company also attempted to sell the first right-hand-drive production-spec E-Type at the auction in London. However, it didn’t find a buyer. That car was a fixed head coupe hardtop and had its original engine.  

There’s a market for converting the E-Type into an electric vehicle. In the United Kingdom, the company Electrogenic offers a package consisting of a 160-hp motor and a 43-kilowatt-hour battery that provides a range of around 150 miles. ECD Automotive Design in the United States offers a similar upgrade but uses a Tesla-sourced powertrain providing 450 hp and 200 miles of driving distance.

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Even as a kid riding the school bus, Jim knew he wanted a Jeep Wrangler. As soon as he had the money, Jim bought this red TJ and started modifying it into his dream vehicle. However, it sat under a tree for eight years while he served in the US Army. Covered in leaves, mold, and grime, it eventually became a haven for spiders. 

Gallery: 2024 Jeep Wrangler

The first step after getting the Jeep back to the shop is to give it a bath. Like the 1980s Camaro that sat outside for 12 years, the mold and dirt immediately wash off, leaving the Jeep clean but covered in a dull haze. It turns out the years of sitting under the tree, covered in leaves and mold, allowed the grime to work its way into the paint’s pores. Restoring the finish requires buffing and polishing with a wool pad.   

Cleaning out the interior was just as big of a task as the exterior. Jim’s old Jeep was filled with everything you would need for an offroad adventure and the extra parts he accumulated over the years. Since he didn’t have a garage to park his Jeep, the Wrangler became a storage locker for all his tools and parts. Eventually, the interior is cleared out and given the same thorough detailing as the exterior. 

The final result is a stunning transformation that makes Jim’s jaw drop when he sees it. Inspired by the results, he gets the Wrangler up and running a few days later. Returning to the Ammo NYC shop, he takes Larry, the shop’s owner, out for a spin to celebrate the Jeep’s resurrection. 

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Yes, that’s the bitter portion of this Ford find, shared on YouTube by DezzysSpeedShop. According to the clip, the current owner bought the car back in 1990 and drove it home. The engine was pulled as it sat in the driveway, and then it was shuffled into a garage where more pieces were removed. License plate tags show 1991 as the last year it was registered, and the owner confirms it hasn’t been on the road since then. He says he started working on it, and then “life took over.” It’s something almost every enthusiast with a project car understands.

As a result, the trunk is filled with engine parts. The interior also has various bits and pieces lying about, and the fenders are off the car completely. In such a state of disassembly, it’s pretty easy to see the car looks relatively solid overall, though some notable rust is visible in a few spots. The front fenders are said to be in storage, and the owner also has a pair of Torino parts cars available when extra components are needed. It just needs some reconditioning and reassembly… a lot of reassembly.

Now for the sweet portion of this barn find. The current owner says the car is, in fact, complete (albeit in pieces), including everything for its original 429 Cobra Jet V8. And while spiders have clearly taken up residence in the engine bay, the car and its components were at least stored inside. Considering some of the sketchy automotive rescues we’ve seen – including cars literally sinking into the ground, this one doesn’t look too bad.

At this point, we don’t know the fate of this Torino Cobra. The video fades to black with the tour ongoing, though perusing the comments we see the videographer is thinking about buying it. For someone seeking a piece of classic Ford muscle that’s not a Mustang, one could do worse than rebuilding a Torino Cobra Jet.  

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Listed for sale on the auction site Cars & Bids, the 1996 Dodge Ram Van B3500 is an extended-length van converted into a pop-top camper. Sportsmobile, a company specializing in van conversions for over 60 years, completed the work. Unlike many third-generation Ram vans produced from 1993 to 2003, this one is rust-free. It spent most of its life in Texas and only accumulated 47,000 miles. 

Gallery: 1996 Dodge Pop-Top Camper

With the pop-top, it’s similar to a Volkswagen California Camper, only larger. It includes a sofa that converts into a bed, a loft, and a kitchenette with a sink, stove, and refrigerator. There are plenty of cabinets for storage, a water heater, and a toilet. 

Like the Chevrolet Blazer Chalet Camper we saw earlier, it’s very much of its time period. The hue of the interior occupies the middle ground, somewhere between hunter and mint green. It’s offset by the white cabinets and countertops and grey carpet. Like the van’s exterior, it’s remarkably clean, showing hardly any signs of use. Some people may get all judgy on the color scheme, but others will find it wicked cool. 

Power comes from a trusty 5.9-liter V8 producing 230 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque connected to a four-speed automatic transmission. First built in the early 1970s, the 5.9-liter motor was used in various guises for over 30 years. It was based on Chrysler’s LA motor, which started life in the early 1960s. Even though the engine’s power rating is low by modern standards, it’s adequate for the B3500. 

As for the Ram van itself, it was produced from 1970 to 2003 in a wide range of body configurations. The third-generation B3500 is 231 inches long with a wheelbase that stretches almost 128 inches. Before it was discontinued, the body-on-frame configuration was a popular platform for the conversion van and motorhome industries. Recently, it has seen a resurgence, becoming sought-after by people who want to build a camper using a full-size, extended-length platform as a starting point. 

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