George Barris-designed 1966 'Love Machine' SuperVan headed to auction

George Barris-designed 1966 Love Machine SuperVan (Photo: Barrett-Jackson)

The George Barris-designed SuperVan is one of the most well-known custom vans of the 1970s — and a well-restored example will soon change hands at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Arizona on January 23.

Barris built the van, originally dubbed “Love Machine,” from a 1966 Dodge A-108 Sportsman. Power came from a 318 V8 hooked up to a three-speed manual, and the paint was burnt orange, but the “Love Machine’s” interior is where Barris focused most of his attention, with a rotating circular bed, television, chandelier and plush carpeting.

With a little blue paint, it became the “Vandora,” star of 1977’s SuperVan film; in gold and black, in starred in Condor; in green, it was a background vehicle in Back to the Future II.

Related: Quiz: What's underneath that famous movie car?

Around 2003, the Guild of Automotive Restorers in Bradford, Ontario began restoring the old superstar van, then toured it around Canada.

A pre-auction estimate of its expected sale price at Barrett-Jackson has not been made, leaving obervers wondering just how much it might fetch. Last year the Barett-Jackson auction's top sellers included a $5-million Shelby Cobra, while there were also plenty of surprise bargains also scooped up.