So, you and your three best friends are ready to hit the road, solve mysteries, and uncover secrets lurking in the shadows. But there’s just one problem—you don’t have a Mystery Machine! Don’t worry, because Hemmings has found three fantastic tributes to the legendary Scooby-Doo van.
While the original cartoon never explicitly stated the make and model of the Mystery Machine, that hasn’t stopped dedicated fans from recreating their own versions over the years. As luck would have it, we’ve found three incredible interpretations, each representing one of Detroit’s Big Three automakers: Ford, Chevrolet, and Dodge. These custom Mystery Machines each bring their own flair to the classic design. Which one is your favorite? Let’s dive into the details!
1964 Ford Econoline: A Vintage Classic
The first Mystery Machine tribute is this charming 1964 Ford Econoline. As one of the oldest Mystery Machine tributes out there, this van carries a nostalgic charm that perfectly fits the Scooby-Doo universe.
Performance and Mechanics
Under the hood, this Econoline is powered by a 200-cu.in. inline-six engine, paired with a three-speed automatic transmission. While it may not be the most powerful van on the road, it’s more than enough to transport a team of mystery-solving adventurers and their Great Dane sidekick.
Exterior Design
The van sports a teal paint job, with the signature Mystery Machine graphics applied using a wrap rather than traditional paint. This means the design is crisp and vibrant, capturing the fun and playful essence of the original cartoon.
Interior Features
Step inside, and you’ll find a cabin that continues the Scooby-Doo theme. The cockpit features mauve-colored paint with Scooby-Doo seat covers, adding a whimsical touch. But the real highlight is in the back—there’s a cozy bed adorned with a Scooby quilt, as well as a pair of lanterns, perfect for setting the mood when investigating eerie old mansions and abandoned amusement parks.
Price and Availability
This 1964 Ford Econoline Mystery Machine tribute is listed for $29,900. If you’re looking for a fun and vintage way to travel, this might just be the perfect van for you!
1979 Chevrolet G20: A Live-Action Movie Tribute
Next up, we have a 1979 Chevrolet G20, bringing a slightly different take on the Mystery Machine. Unlike the previous tribute, which closely follows the classic cartoon style, this version is inspired by the 2002 live-action Scooby-Doo movie.
Performance and Mechanics
The Chevrolet G20 is equipped with a powerful 5.0-liter V-8 engine and an automatic transmission, giving it a significant performance boost over the Ford Econoline. With this much power under the hood, you’ll have no trouble outrunning any spooky villains—or at least making a quick getaway from a creepy carnival.
Exterior Design
What sets this van apart is its paint job. Instead of using vinyl wraps, the graphics are painted directly onto the vehicle, ensuring a durable and authentic look. The side and rear windows also feature illustrations of Scooby-Doo and the gang, adding a fun and eye-catching touch. The design leans heavily into the live-action movie’s aesthetic, giving it a more modern and detailed appearance.
Interior Features
Inside, the van is built for secret meetings of the Mystery Inc. team. The interior is decorated with spooky graphics that include lightning bolts and flashlights, capturing the eerie, suspenseful vibe of the original show. Fans will also appreciate the shaggy (pun intended) trim along the A-pillar, adding a bit of quirky charm.
Price and Availability
Unlike the Ford Econoline, the price for this Chevrolet G20 is not listed publicly. If you’re interested, you’ll have to contact the selling dealer to solve the first mystery—how much it costs!
1977 Dodge B150: The Custom Scooby-Doo Experience
The final van in our Mystery Machine lineup is a 1977 Dodge B150, offering another unique take on the iconic vehicle. This tribute sticks closely to the traditional look while adding some personal flair.
Performance and Mechanics
Under the hood, this Dodge B150 boasts a 318-cu.in. V-8 engine, paired with a three-speed automatic transmission. While it may not be as powerful as the Chevy, it still delivers a reliable and smooth driving experience—perfect for cruising through small towns and solving mysteries along the way.
Exterior Design
One of the biggest mysteries surrounding this van is its graphics—are they painted on, or applied as a wrap? The seller hasn’t disclosed this detail, so if you’re interested, you might want to bring a magnifying glass and do some detective work yourself!
Interior Features
The interior of this van takes customization to the next level, featuring colors that perfectly match the exterior. But the most exciting detail? A life-size Scooby-Doo figure waiting inside, presumably hoping for a Scooby Snack. This fun addition makes the van feel like a true Mystery Machine, fully embracing the theme inside and out.
Price and Availability
The asking price for this 1977 Dodge B150 Mystery Machine tribute is $29,500, making it slightly cheaper than the Ford Econoline. If you’re looking for a fun and budget-friendly way to channel your inner detective, this van might be your best bet.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a lifelong Scooby-Doo fan or simply love quirky, custom vehicles, these three Mystery Machine tributes each offer something special. From the classic charm of the 1964 Ford Econoline to the movie-inspired graphics of the 1979 Chevrolet G20, and the fun, Scooby-filled interior of the 1977 Dodge B150, there’s a Mystery Machine for everyone.
If you’re ready to hit the road with your own gang and start solving mysteries, any of these vans would be a perfect choice. Now that you’ve read all the way to the end—thanks!—you deserve a Scooby treat of your own. Here you go!
