Barn Find/360ci V8/15-Passenger/Sportsman Edition

1977 Dodge Sportsman 15 Passenger Van

The Dodge B series was a range of full-size vans that were produced by Chrysler Corporation from 1970 to 2003. Through their production, the full-size vans were sold under several different nameplates. Built on the B platform (later AB), the full-size vans entered production for the 1971 model year. Due to a one-welded-piece "Uniframe" design, the Dodge platform was lighter and stronger and featured a lower cargo floor than the competition, at the expense of noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH). The resulting lower center of gravity improved handling versus the competing products. The B-series van was popular for cab-over motorhome conversion until Chrysler Corporation's egress from that market during their financial difficulties in the late 1970s.

For consignment, the small version of the bus, meant to shuttle 15 passengers here and there with plenty of cargo room, and comfortable seating. Our example is from 1977, has decent paint, and a good interior. This is a Sportsman van which as opposed to the Tradesman van which was fully enclosed, has plenty of windows to offer a "zoom" with a view for the passengers.

Exterior
With all steel panels, we see a two tone paint scheme going on with the main color as Medium Green Sunfire, and the secondary color being Jade Green. The Jade is reserved for the roof, belt line, and rockers. Paint is overall good, with a few areas of repairs on the rockers, and rust through on the lower fenders and doors. The roof has been repaired numerous times, particularly at the drip edge on the rear of the van. Glass is all clear, and is surrounded by chrome trim, as are the delineation between the two tone paint panels. A large rear door swings open to reveal a big cargo area that could presumably hold another 2 bench seats but are not installed or with this van. A large passenger side sliding access door allows for all the passengers to climb in easily. Noted the center of the roof has been replaced with a newer stamped panel that runs from the windshield to the back doors. All chrome is present and accounted for, however has some pitting and rusting of mounting screws. Standard wheel and covers are on all 4 corners.

Interior
Green vinyl bolsters and striped gradations of green broadcloth inserts, cover the front buckets (which sport arms that fold up and down), and the 2 benches behind the buckets. The seats are all in very nice condition with no rips or tears. The headliner is absent for the front of the vehicle, and in the rear is a green vinyl that is somewhat loose. Green carpet floods all the floors and shows some dirt and wear. Due to the "cab over" design a large plastic engine cover is between the buckets, and just above is the original dash swooping upward at an angle. Like the door panels, there are strips of wood appliqu intermixed with green plastic and painted metal to make up the dash. The engine cover also doubles as a nice large flat area for storage.

Drivetrain
A 360ci V8 is under the hood and into the passenger compartment, as a cab over design. A 3 speed 727 Torqueflite is bolted to the back of the engine and an 8 1/4" axle brings up the rear.

Undercarriage
Underneath some areas of surface rust have developed where the rustproofing has flaked off. Surface rust is also on the suspension, and driveshaft as well as the rear axle. All appears to be structurally sound underneath.

Drive-Ability
With our test battery installed and the use of some starting fluid the 360ci V8 roared to life. Test drive speeds had to be kept low as the brake system needs a total overhaul, brake pedal to the floor. The transmission worked properly, and we noticed no unusual noises.

This Dodge Maxiwagon with its extra area on the rear is capable of carrying up to 15 passengers. It has fair paint, and some rust throughout, along with a few dents and dings. Interior remains nicely preserved, as does the engine bay.

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.