Van Culture

Vanning is a point of view. It’s a sub-culture. It’s a sport. It’s a pastime. It’s a lifestyle. Vanning is as American as apple pie or hamburgers, as international as bangers & mash, shrimp on the barbie or lutefisk. Vanning began over 50 years ago. Also known as Custom Vanning or Street Vanning, it is the direct descendent of California surfing, the Vietnam War, the Detroit auto manufacturers competitively trying to capture the delivery and trades vehicle market, and the social upheaval of the 1960s and early 1970s. Throw in some American independence and International creativity and you have it – Vanning.

Out in the Golden State, California, during the late ’40s and early ’50s, many surfers had adopted the original style station wagons as their vehicle of choice – the woodie. The original station wagon was meant for passengers and their baggage but had since morphed into more of a delivery vehicle. Concurrently, Detroit began to offer the panel delivery truck – just two seats up front and cargo space but with car-like dimensions. Before long many surfers and other beach and desert enthusiasts were also driving these panel trucks. They could be adapted for overnight camping and to haul all of their supplies and toys… read more >