by Gabrielle DeSantis

If you want to live like it is 1974 then you have to buy this van. It’s brand new-well almost brand-new  There are only 873 miles on this 1974 Ford Econoline van. If you loved the van craze or wish you could have been part of it, this is as close as you’ll ever get.

This van craze Ford van is sitting at $30,100 right now

Listed on eBay the current price is $30,100. While that is a lot of money for an old Ford van, this is a “new” old Ford van. There can’t be another one with these low miles. 

And what about the funky “van art” mural. As art, it is not great, but as a throwback to the way it was, it is classic. The same goes for the repeating flames running along the side as a graphic. 

Some would say these van murals are “fine art”

Back in the day, these murals were semi-mass-produced. Stencils and templates along with simple depictions of desert or mountain scenes were all part of the van craze. Vans like this were piled on lots like cordwood with marked-up prices for the “custom paintwork.” 

Shag carpeting was how most of these dealer vans were finished off inside. The contrasting black and white shag carpet as seen here will make your eyes spin if you stare at it. A refrigerator and cabinet to store your refreshments are a bonus. The red, white, and blue columns are as cheesy as the rest of the era. 

Dark brown like this one, tan, and ochre, were common colors, though from our 2021 perspective are vomit-inducing. The factory orange peel finish and bubble portholes are also typical for the period. Either Cragar S/S or slotted-dish mags were as abundant as clowns in a circus. 

What’s the inside of this classic Ford van like?

In the front are the typical captain’s chairs covered in black and white houndstooth material, to continue the eye-blearing theme inside. They include armrests and can swivel to chat with passengers in the back. Oh, and there is a bed platform back there too. 

For a custom van, you have to have tunes, and this one is no exception. But it has to be vintage, and this is. Bonked into the dash is an AM/FM 8-track tape player. You’ll have to scrounge for 8-track tapes but the experience of songs cutting off midstream to change tracks will send you right back to the 1970s. 

It’s got a V8, but don’t plan on drag racing it

Power comes from a 302 ci V8 with a single two-barrel carb. Ford must have put millions of these peppy V8s into Econoline vans forever. A three-speed C4 automatic and nine-inch rear end make for effortless shifts. There is just enough torque to make it seem like there is some power under the engine cover. Don’t plan on drag racing it, however.

If cruising Van Nuys or Whittier Boulevards is what you missed or are missing, you’ll need to step up and buy this van. Then get your buddies to bring their cool cars and trucks and hit the boulevards and city circles for some cruising action. 

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by Gabrielle DeSantis

If you’ve been driving for a while, chances are you’ve encountered road rage. At other times, you could be the one guilty of the vice. It is a problem that has been a menace on our roads and seems to be worsening. It’s also a huge car safety risk that has contributed to numerous accidents and even deaths.

However, there are ways to deescalate a road rage situation before it becomes catastrophic. You can also take steps to avoid being the threat every other driver hates encountering on the road.  

What is road rage? 

Road rage is a habit characterized by intentional aggressive driving without caring about other road users. It manifests in numerous ways, such as rude gestures, cutting off other cars without warning or apology, braking suddenly in front of other cars, and sometimes even violence.  

There are many causes for road rage. At the very root, bouts of anger, distractions, and stress cause people to cross the line and drive dangerously. They could then commit several traffic violations that gravely endanger other road users. 

A recent National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report depicts the catastrophic nature of road rage. According to DriversEd.com, the NHTSA estimates that human error causes more than 94% of car crashes. Within that category is aggressive driving. In fact, it’s such a serious issue that it’s believed to cause nearly one in every three crashes. 

It’s common for road rage victims to retaliate, which often causes a further escalation of an already dangerous situation. People make decisions they would not otherwise make when they feel anxious, including extending a pointless conflict. Some can try to run the aggressive driver off the road or even block their right of way. This further increases the chances of an accident. 

Sometimes, the road rage incident can escalate to something more than a crash. A third of the incidents involve individuals who may have firearms in their cars, as DriversEd.com reported. The site indicates that up to 30 murders every year are connected to road rage. This mostly occurs when the individuals involved use firearms to solve their traffic disputes and sometimes even follow the other motorist home in a quest for revenge.   

How to prevent road rage

One of the ways you can prevent yourself from being a road rager is by leaving early for your destination. Lateness can make you anxious and likelier to take unimportant risks. Also, avoid overreacting and triggering other drivers. For instance, if someone ahead of you is driving slowly, they might be trying to figure out the road or the area. It’s better to go around them rather than tailgate or honk out of frustration.  

The use of appropriate hand gestures can also help you communicate amicably with other drivers without triggering aggressive behavior. For instance, you can wave to appreciate a driver who slows down for you to overtake them. Additionally, avoid stopping to confront another driver, as such could make the situation hazardous for everyone. 

How to calm the situation 

Road rage situations can catch you unawares. However, this is not an excuse to retaliate and worsen the situation. Change lanes safely, reduce your speed gradually, or even exit the highway to stay away from a road rager.

You should also avoid making eye contact or showing signs of escalating the conflict. Additionally, whatever you do, don’t stop for a person-to-person confrontation with the aggressive driver. Keep driving with your doors locked. And if you’re worried about the other motorist following you, drive to the nearest police station. 

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