Vehicle Description
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 applique 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.
