Never seen this before.

I saw this van driving in Research Park. Apparently it is a VPG MV-1.

What kind of car has window controls there?

PT Cruiser.

Ah-ha, that's what I was thinking but I wasn't sure.

Is that van thing one of the new special built handicap vans?

Let me google that for you...

VPG MV-1.

http://www.vpgautos.com/experience-MV-1/mobility-vehicle-features

There are a few of them here for Access a ride. I hope they catch on. Most of their trips are taking one person to a doctor apt or grocery and these are cheaper and get better mileage then the mini buses that are usually used. They will take 3 seated or 2 wheelchairs.

Never seen this before

Some ass hole playing with his berkeleying phone instead of piloting his 2,000+ lb. Instrument of death? I see it all the time.

That;s the one built off the panther chassis, no?

poopshovel wrote:

Never seen this before

Some ass hole playing with his berkeleying phone instead of piloting his 2,000+ lb. Instrument of death? I see it all the time.

Truth be told, it looks like a right seat photographer.

Or really long arms.

Osterkraut wrote:

poopshovel wrote:

Never seen this before

Some ass hole playing with his berkeleying phone instead of piloting his 2,000+ lb. Instrument of death? I see it all the time.

Truth be told, it looks like a right seat photographer.

Also, +1 for your sig.

They give no berkeley, just as long as there's enough for them.

But can it tow a Miata?

Osterkraut wrote:

poopshovel wrote:

Never seen this before

Some ass hole playing with his berkeleying phone instead of piloting his 2,000+ lb. Instrument of death? I see it all the time.

Truth be told, it looks like a right seat photographer.

Yeah I was in the passenger seat.

Yes, it's built on the Panther. That's the P71 living on, and it's really cool. I work with disabled people and this van thing is really great for them. I can't wait to try one.

Javelin wrote: Yes, it's built on the Panther. That's the P71 living on, and it's really cool. I work with disabled people and this van thing is really great for them. I can't wait to try one.

That is cool. Is it available thru its own dealers or Ford or what?

In reply to 93EXCivic:

No, Ford sold them an assembly line, they are their own manufacturer. IIRC, the frame is modified, too.

93EXCivic wrote:

Javelin wrote: Yes, it's built on the Panther. That's the P71 living on, and it's really cool. I work with disabled people and this van thing is really great for them. I can't wait to try one.

That is cool. Is it available thru its own dealers or Ford or what?

Didn't click the link, eh?

garyp wrote: VPG MV-1. http://www.vpgautos.com/experience-MV-1/mobility-vehicle-features

They have thier own dealer network and prices start at $42K. While that may sound high, HC conversions on a new van is not cheap either. I think the VPG is a fair bit less.

I wonder if they ever plan to produce a non-HC version. Bigger than a Transit, but smaller than a E-series (or whatever van Ford is building next).

Ian F wrote: I wonder if they ever plan to produce a non-HC version. Bigger than a Transit, but smaller than a E-series (or whatever van Ford is building next).

I doubt it. I bet that they get around the normal safety laws because of low volume and the purpose of the van itself. A "passenger" version for John Q. Public would have to go through tons of crash tests, safety checks, etc.

(Not to say that the van isn't safe, I'm sure it is, it's just much more expensive to sell a car in the U.S. )

-Rob

EvanB wrote:

Osterkraut wrote:

poopshovel wrote:

Never seen this before

Some ass hole playing with his berkeleying phone instead of piloting his 2,000+ lb. Instrument of death? I see it all the time.

Truth be told, it looks like a right seat photographer.

Also, +1 for your sig. They give no berkeley, just as long as there's enough for them.

The GM dealer that I live near sells them. The same outfit also has a couple of Fiskers sitting by the road, with nothing close to them.

Ian F wrote:

93EXCivic wrote:

Javelin wrote: Yes, it's built on the Panther. That's the P71 living on, and it's really cool. I work with disabled people and this van thing is really great for them. I can't wait to try one.

That is cool. Is it available thru its own dealers or Ford or what?

Didn't click the link, eh?

Yeah I just didn't see anything about how they were selling it. But SWMBO keeps telling me I am blind.

I remember seeing one of these for the first time a few months ago. Parked at the side of the road while you're passing at 45, it looked close enough to a London cab to make me think that's what it was. Of course I had to do a u-turn to see if that dealer was really crazy enough to be selling London cabs - they weren't, but I am glad this vehicle exists.

I saw something like that last week (on Madison Blvd, 93EXCivic) but it had a small trunk built on it, more pronounced than the link showed. Did notice it said MV-1 on it though. Didn't get a picture because I was driving and didn't have a passenger to take the pic.