I think the main thing people seem to remember about this one is that it features a cameo by drunken poet Charles Bukowski, in one of many party scenes, as the wet t-shirt water boy. It should probably also be remembered as part of the very short-lived vansploitation sub-genre(which is basically just this movie and 1977's THE VAN). The plot here, what little there is of one, concerns a van competition that our hero(Mark Schneider, who would go on to be in a bunch of T.V. productions) enters with the help of his nerdy scientist friend who has built a solar-powered van that is somehow miraculously imbued with super powers from the Sun. The movie kinda meanders around a lot, there's some rapey bikers that show up a couple of times, boobs get shown and there's lots of partying. It's very 70's that way so if you're not into that this one will likely be pretty dull even with all the sweet vans on display.
The "Supervan" was built by legendary automobile designer George Barris(who created the 60's Batmobile among many other famous cars) who shows up as a judge at the big van freak-out competition.
Not featuring that "Making Love in My Chevy Van" song but an incredible simulation!:
Ad from TRUCKIN' magazine!:
I love these sort of 70's movies, mindless, plotless, silly, and pretty much carefree. "The Van" (1977) was one such romp, and this one is one I need to find. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYeah man, I tend to dig them too. They're sometimes risky to show to people though who aren't as into that laid-back style of film-making.
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