Vans have long been associated with utility, adventure, and a bit of retro charm—but at the 2013 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, one particular van rose far beyond its utilitarian roots. The star of the show wasn’t a muscle car, a hyper-modified truck, or even a sleek European tuner car. Instead, it was a vintage Ford Econoline that glittered in the desert sun, unapologetically loud in both color and character. This custom van wasn’t just a vehicle; it was a mobile piece of art, a rolling tribute to craftsmanship, nostalgia, and bold personal expression.
SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association Show, is known for hosting some of the most outrageous, inventive, and technically brilliant custom vehicles in the world. And yet, among a sea of turbochargers, carbon fiber, and LED-lit undercarriages, this Ford Econoline stood out effortlessly—thanks in no small part to its extravagant metal flake paint job and unmistakable presence.
A Van That Dazzles
Painted in shimmering copper-gold flames with intricately flaked striping, the van glinted like a gem under the Las Vegas sun. The paint wasn’t just for show—it was a full-bodied statement. Metal flake finishes are notoriously difficult and labor-intensive to apply, especially on large surfaces like a van’s roof. Whoever did this paintwork not only had serious skill, but a whole lot of patience. Standing on a ladder for hours—or days—just to lay down glittering flake with that level of precision is no small feat.
The van proudly bore the name “Chrome Gypsy Tattoo,” rendered in gleaming gold leaf lettering across its flanks. More than just decoration, the name served as a rolling advertisement for the Las Vegas-based tattoo and piercing shop, perfectly aligning with the van’s rebellious spirit and artistic flair. It was hard not to imagine it pulling up to a street corner, doors swinging open to reveal a mobile tattoo studio or a curated pop-up experience.
Inside and Out: A Masterclass in Custom Craft
The dedication to detail didn’t stop at the exterior. While most eyes were drawn to the glittering flames and kaleidoscopic paint, those lucky enough to peek inside were treated to a continuation of the visual feast. Reports hinted at a fully customized interior, also decked in metal flake and period-correct styling. Even the engine bay, though not immediately visible, was rumored to have received similar treatment—making this van a 360-degree showpiece.
Sadly, the owner wasn’t immediately available for comment during the initial days of the show, leaving curious onlookers and car enthusiasts to speculate about the minds and hands behind this incredible creation. Whoever they are, their vision and execution were undeniably among the most memorable moments at SEMA that year.
The Magic of Night
While the van glittered during the day, it took on a whole new personality at night. As the sun dipped behind the Nevada mountains and the show lights dimmed, the van became even more otherworldly. In a series of night shots captured with careful long exposures—camera balanced precariously on a backpack—the van’s contours and paint shimmered under artificial light, set against the glowing backdrop of the Las Vegas skyline.
In one particular image, the beam of the Luxor Casino’s iconic skyward light is visible in the corner, adding a surreal touch. In another, the darkening sky contrasts beautifully with the fiery hues of the van’s paint job, proving that great design can captivate in any light.
More Than Nostalgia
Custom vans like this one are more than just retro throwbacks. They represent a unique intersection of artistry, engineering, and cultural identity. In the 1970s, vans were canvases for expression, from airbrushed fantasy scenes to shag carpets and mini dance floors inside. That spirit of experimentation and rebellion is alive and well in today’s custom scene, as evidenced by this masterpiece at SEMA.
What makes this van so compelling is not just its style, but its soul. It’s a reminder that automotive culture isn’t solely about speed or luxury—it’s about passion, personality, and the joy of building something truly one-of-a-kind.
Final Thoughts
The 2013 SEMA Show was filled with horsepower and high-tech, but this Ford Econoline cut through the noise with pure visual poetry. It wasn’t just a favorite because it looked cool (though it undeniably did); it was a favorite because it told a story. A story of craftsmanship, of creative freedom, and of a culture that continues to celebrate the weird, the wild, and the wonderfully unconventional.
As the event rolled on, hopes were high that more details about the van’s creator would emerge. But even without a name, this van made its mark—a vibrant, flaked, unforgettable mark—on the world’s biggest custom car stage.
