This is either the coolest or creepiest van ever! It was modified for undercover police surveillance work and still retains all of its special features. From the outside, you’d never guess that it was loaded with surveillance equipment (obviously the point) but is a bit strange for a regular person to have a need for. I’ll let Matt F tell you a bit more about this van below. If you’d love to have this unusual Tradesman, you can find it here on craigslist in San Mateo, California with an asking of $4,000 or best offer.

From Matt – This 1978 Tradesman 200 Van has seen just 73k original miles. It was a former undercover police van from the Central Valley. It’s a basic cargo van that has been converted for surveillance duty and still features most, if not all, of it’s original equipment. It’s also equipped with a 318 cid V8 with a 727 automatic. It runs and drives but could benefit from a tune-up.  It is chock full of surprises and cool modifications including: a CB radio, police band radio/scanner, blackout windows, custom AC designed to run off a few deep cycle marine batteries, a door to separate the cab from the rear of the vehicle, and best of all… a periscope that comes out of the vent. Everything seems to work on it, but I haven’t done much driving in it since it is not currently registered or insured. I have another one already, and with two jobs, and school, I don’t have a lot of free time to convert a second van. I may consider trades as well.

Some features, like the AC system and CB radio would be sweet to have in any van, just imagine how nice it will make tailgating! Other features, like the workbench and pass-through hole in the floor, could be done away with. As for the periscope, it’s probably the coolest part of this van but doesn’t serve much of a purpose, other than taking up headroom, for the average vanner. It would certainly make for an interesting conversation piece and could be put back to work if you are a PI. So, would you leave the interior as is or would you get rid of the surveillance equipment?

This really is an interesting van and could be turned into a sweet custom or even put back to work. It will be up to the next owner to decide what exactly to do with it. I’m quite interested to hear what each of you would do with it, so leave your ideas in the comments below. Take a look at his craigslist ad and don’t forget to message Matt with your best offer there or via the form below!

Do you have an oddball classic that needs a new home? Please consider listing it here on Barn Finds!