CC Reader Tim Finn spotted this in (“Keep It Weird”) Portland the other day, and thought I might like it. Sure do; always had a thing for these passenger car conversions, and this is a pretty ambitious one.
I have to assume that a 125″ wheelbase wagon was the starting point, which is probably the most suitable chassis for something like this, in terms of passenger cars, as it was specifically designed for heavy wagon use, along with leaf spring rear suspension. That side door is intriguing; does it open along with the original rear side door? That probbaly wouldn’t quite work; more like a two-step, Dutch-door arrangement.
Nice catch, Tim!
These are really cool in a weird sort of way. I’ve seen several Cadillac conversions that used mid fifities models. The early fifties Fleetwoods came with a 133 in. wheel base was was only shortened to 130 in. by the end of the decade. So probably any Deville model would work and they had a rugged drivetrain. I remember seeing an old tow truck, or “wrecker” as they were more poetically named, built out of an early fifties Cad in a gas station up around Napa Ca. for several years, I would love to have one of those or a pick up conversion. If you were lucky you might find a “flower car” conversion being sold by a mortuary, that would be a cool hauler.
Complete with broughamtastic padded vinyl!
That is pretty comical. Or perhaps ironic?
I almost bought a similar Oldsmobile version a couple of years back. But the shag carpeted interior and disapproving looks from the wife when I mentioned it and it’s thirsty V8 put a stop to that plan… Neat car though.
very interesting set up, the black bumper guards remind me of the 5mph bumper guards the you would see from the 1973-up vehicles
I took my driver’s test in a ’72 Buick Estate Wagon. It was quite a car!
It’s sporting Colorado Historic Vehicle plates – allows anything of a certain age to only complete the registration process once every five years. It shows that this car at least gets used as intended, assuming it was shot in Portland as stated.
Looking at the front of the camper part, I wonder if they can get the hood open all the way in case they have to do anything beyond basic maintenance. Otherwise, a cool conversion. I’m also curious about what’s under the hood. A 350 or 400 small block? A 454? These old beasts were thirsty critters. Maybe something more modern with an overdrive automatic would give equivelant performance with better mileage. A newer GM pickup drivetrain would do it for me.
I may be wrong, but my Granddad’s 73 Impala sedan had the 400, and the carb was a pathetic two barrel- probably 400-500 cfm. I only drove it once, it was slow and got around ten mpgs around town. It had that distinct GM smell of that era. Hate to imagine what this gets, though it is kinda neat and should ride better than a truck based RV.
You bonk your head on that overhang, getting out of the driver’s seat. That happened with my Toyota Sunrader. That side access rear door is probably welded to the bottom part of the original door.
From what I can tell from the pic, the workmanship looks surprisingly good. Somebody spent a lot of time getting this right.
True that – not exactly the blowtorch & duct tape jobs that are all too common.
Even so, I can’t help but imagine cubic yards of smoke billowing out whenever the door is opened.
Interesting conversion, is it wearing Ford wheelcovers?
Wheelcovers look like from a 57 Studebaker to me. Such an odd choice (but maybe not in Portland).
2013 Craigslist sale (lots more nice pics here; even has then-seller’s e-mail address):
http://bangshift.com/general-news/craigslist-find/craigslist-find-a-camper-built-from-a-1971-chevy-kingswood-station-wagon-somewhere-chads-head-is-going-to-explode/
Good find right there!
This sure does look like Inner East Portland. I thought Colorado’s Historical Vehicle plates had mileage and/or use restrictions. Regardless of that I welcome another quirky vehicle to the Rose City and I bet they will find some Motorhomeless hot spots in no time.
Looks a lot more worn in just 2 years from the 2013 Craigslist pictures. Too bad the interior shots are now gone, it looks like it was really well done when originally built.
I remember the 71-76 B-body wagons being offered in a heavy duty commercial chassis for ambulance and hearse use. I wonder if this started out as one of those.
Haha! Hello all, names james, been livin in this beast for about a year now. Even stayed in it threw the hard denver winter… -20 degree inside… interior has been slightly redone, new carpet, blinds, removed toilet and tuned the shitter into a closet. Upgraded lighting to led. Flatscreen tv. And xbox Incase u run outta gas in a truckstop for days on end. And a brand new serta queen size to sleep on! Currently working on exterior, and vinyl restoration, sealing all nooks, and putting in new insulation. The blue you see on the front will cover the whole “experience”. I just finished the back side… only took 20hrs.. as did the front. Lots of bondo… btw it has a 427 bb so there’s no problem doin 70mph up the Rockies. Its got air suspension. 30 gallon fuel capacity, stove, refrigerator, sink… any questions just ask
Hey James!
I happened to catch a shot of your camper about 5 years ago in the Cap Hill area of Denver. Is it a ’71 Chevy Kingswood? One of my favorite finds to date. Hope it is still running well for you.
Cheers!