Eight is enough van
This is "Eight is Enough," a custom 8-wheeled van built in the 1970s.
Quick Facts
• The Builder: Created by Dick Dean, a famous custom car designer who also worked on TV cars like the Munster Koach.
• The Design: He combined a Dodge Tradesman van with a front end inspired by a Stutz Bearcat luxury car.
• The Wheels: It features four wheels in the front (all of which steered) and four in the back.
• The Vibe: With its rainbow paint and shag interior, it’s a perfect example of the "Boogie Van" era.
As a fan of custom cars and automotive history, the Eight is Enough van really stands out to me as a fascinating example of 1970s creativity and craftsmanship. Dick Dean, renowned for his TV car designs like the Munster Koach, managed to blend luxury car inspiration with practical utility by merging the Dodge Tradesman van's body with styling cues from the Stutz Bearcat, which was a premium luxury vehicle known for its distinctive front grille and sleek lines. What makes this van particularly exciting is its unusual 8-wheel configuration: instead of the typical four wheels, it boasts four wheels at the front—all of which can steer—along with four at the rear. This setup not only creates a striking visual impact but also suggests enhanced handling capabilities and stability, an impressive engineering feat for a custom van of that period. The vibrant rainbow paint and shag interior evoke the spirited 'Boogie Van' culture of the 1970s, when customized vans with psychedelic colors, plush interiors, and funky designs were a statement of individuality and freedom. This van is a rolling piece of that cultural moment, capturing the playful and rebellious spirit of an era when automotive customization was as much about art as function. In sharing my experience seeing vehicles like this at classic car shows, the Eight is Enough van always attracts a lot of attention due to its rarity and unique design elements. It serves as a reminder of how automotive design can push boundaries by combining elegant vintage influences with bold, inventive engineering and style. For enthusiasts seeking inspiration or wanting to dive into custom van history, this one is a standout example that celebrates innovation and distinctive character from the golden age of van modification.