Adopt-A-Van
The Museum of Vanning's Van Maintenance Program
Preserving Real Vanning History
You can help to maintain iconic vans that represent how vanning really happened!
Now You Can
ADOPT A VAN
(The Museum of Vanning is a non-profit organization - 501c3.
Your Adopt-A-Van fee may be tax deductible. Check with you tax service provider.)
Introducing the Vans at the Museum of Vanning
Meet The Fleet
Royal Coach
The Royal Coach is one of the first vans to join the museum’s collection. It’s owned by Joe Madonia, a long time vanner and Curator of the museum. It was Joe’s first BIG winner at Nationals and so many other truck-ins during his early vanning years. It’s a 1974 Ford Econoline van with three full body wrap-around Frazetta murals. There is a button tucked crushed velvet interior with multiple exterior body modifications. This van took National Champion in 1984 at the 12th National Truck-In® held in Wesson, Mississippi, hosted by Dixie Van Nationals Committee.
Notel Motel
The Notel Motel was originally Brian Bowie’s van. Brian was a dedicated Mopar fan. He was the founder of Maryland Van Council as well as the A-100 Van Association. It is an eight-door early model 1966 Dodge A-100 van that is painted Mopar Yellow. It has a unique Notel Motel graphic and pinstriping on the exterior. The van sits inside the museum across from the Royal Coach and is featured with an awesome display of trophies and other goodies won by Brian at different events. Brian donated the van to the museum on October 16, 2016 and by November 10, 2016 it had found its new home inside the museum.
Voodoo Lounge
The Voodoo Lounge was originally built by Greg Gearns (known in vanning circles as Odie) of Action Vans of Michigan, a dedicated vanner most of his life. This van is a 1987 Ford Econoline 150 that has a custom blue paint with lots of pinstriping. When Odie passed, the van was purchased by Bobby Maurice (Starship Trooper) of Steel Valley Street Vans of Ohio. He and his wife Cindy made some changes and updates. Upon learning of his cancer diagnosis, Bobby donated the van to the museum. The interior features a cozy bed and cabinets for everything needed while road trippin'. It shows the creativity of both of the vanners who owned it.
Pearl
Pearl is a 1994 Chevy Astro Van from Virginia Beach, VA originally owned by Connie Williams. This van showcases a Janis Joplin themed tribute inside and out. It features extensive glass etching by J.T. Spy. The interior reflects the essence of its time with a unique tie-dye theme.
Flying Eagle II
Flying Eagle II was originally built by Greg Smith, known as Greg of Akron, one of the original van muralists. Built in 1975/76, it features some bodywork that was way ahead of its time, such as molded rear doors and deleted drip rails. The van won numerous awards including Best of Show at the NSVA Annual Truck-In and at King City, California It was featured in many magazines and in various print advertising. Over the years it was sold and repainted and sadly suffered a fire under the hood. Blane Dickson (Uncle Blaino) recognized the historic significance of the van and bought the charred remains with dreams of restoring it. He later determined that restoration was beyond his skill level and a deal was made with Greg Cooper (Coop). Restoration and rehab were undertaken, and the results are spectacular. The museum later acquired the van as one of its featured attractions. The Eagle landed in its new home April 30, 2021.
Moto Cross Van
Moto Cross is a typical example of a “toy hauler” van which was a very significant portion of the early vanning community. This 1974 Dodge van with a modified V8 comes from owner John Simpatico of Rochester, New York. This van has murals with nine colors of pearl. Inside the van is an original Husqvarna motorcycle. This van arrived at its new home on December 27, 2020.
Slurpee
Slurpee is a 1977 Dodge van was owned since new by Sharon Brooks (CaMel) of Steel Valley Street Vans out of Ohio. A very active vanner since the early days of vanning, she published the National Vanpoon for many years, a cross between a club newsletter and a national magazine. CaMel and her van could be found at a van event nearly every weekend. She and her husband Darrell (Eck) eventually relocated to southern California, keeping the van alive with replacement engines and transmissions as needed. Sadly, they have both passed away. The van was donated to the museum by their estate. The exterior features a gull wing door, custom grille, norcal wing, and white pearl paint set off by a small mural on the back doors. The interior is finished in red crushed velvet and accented with custom mirrors.
Please consider helping us keep these vans in tip-top show-worthy condition. The collection is representative of Vanning history and the world needs to see them whenever and wherever possible.
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