A Gem of a Deal

Vincent Van GO!

The ad said, “1965 Chevy Van $800.00, A Gem of a Deal.” I had to drive past the cow pastures (Thrasher’s Corner) to see it, but once I did, I agreed. This was a rare find. I could no longer afford a sports car, but I had just enough cash to buy this van.

It was painted silver metallic, with flashy chrome reverse rims, massive black steel I-beam bumpers. The six-cylinder engine sat below the padded engine cowling that separated the front seats, and it had a three on the tree stick shift on the steering column. Behind the front seats, a previous owner fit a VW camper interior inside, complete with sink, closet, wood paneling and a back seat the folded down into a bed. What probably began as a stripped-down delivery van, had become my very own custom camper.

But this was never just a van. This was a portal to adventure. In the summer of 1972, we named him ‘Vincent Van Go!’ because my friends and I were on the go every weekend. Camping or picnicking from Winthrop to Sun Lakes to Yellowstone National Park. This was the van that kindled a simmering romance. ‘Vincent van Go’ was so much fun Shelley and I never wanted our fun to end. When we became inseparable our romance eventually called for a ring. Exchanging Vincent for a $800 diamond? “A gem of a deal, indeed!”