Dodge A100
Built from 1964-1970, the Dodge A100 platform got into the van game later than the competition. Dodge offered their vans in short- and long-wheelbase, with or without cargo-side windows, as well as in a pickup truck version. While the venerable Dodge slant six engines were the sole option until 1966, Dodge was the first to expand their engine offerings to include a V8, with the 273-ci V8 option coming along in 65 and 66. 1967-1970 ushered in the optional 318, a legendary Mopar workhouse. With junkyards piled high with higher horsepower variants of the small block Mopar in the wake of the muscle car movement and the seventies gas shortage, many A100 owners upgraded to 340 or 360 engines, which really woke up their once-utilitarian rigs. Meanwhile, exhibition drag racers were stuffing huge Chrysler engines, such as the 426 Hemi, into A100 pickups and making wheel-standing passes down the country's 1/4-miles strips as stunned fans looked on.
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DesignWith split front windshields and chiseled flanks, the A100s responded well to simple modifications and could easily be made to look more muscular with factory performance parts and 70's aftermarket accessories. A cottage industry of special vehicle manufacturers got into the game, too, offering everything from pop tops, to even larger motorhome-like variants, built for the ever-adventurous camping and RV crowd.
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With optional V-8 engines, stock Dodge A100s were probably better suited to haul trailers than other first-gen vans. And in the hands of talented fabricator, they could be equipped to haul a lot more that trailers.
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