Vans have been a beloved canvas for creativity and self-expression since their inception in the 1960s. Two names that stand out in the realm of custom vans are authentic and era. But what sets them apart? Let's take a closer look at these two vanning subcultures, their histories, and the unique identities they've cultivated over the years.
Authentic Vans and Era Vans share a common starting point. Both emerged from SoCal's laid-back beach culture, where kids were cruising around in their parents' stock vans, dreaming of transforming these vehicles into something personal and extraordinary. However, they've since evolved into distinct scenes with their own aesthetics, values, and philosophies.
Authentic Vans
-authentic vans is often associated with a raw, earthy, and eco-friendly vibe. This community values the organic and natural, drawing inspiration from nature, surf culture, and a more minimalist approach to design.
The authentic vanning community is characterized by its hands-on, DIY ethos. Authentic Vanners pride themselves on doing most, if not all, of the work on their vans themselves. They believe in keeping things simple, functional, and true to their personal style, often incorporating natural materials like wood and an earthy color palette into their builds.
Build Materials: Earthy and Natural
Authentic Vans prioritize using environmentally-friendly materials in their builds. Wood paneling, leather, and repurposed materials are popular choices. This not only creates a unique, organic aesthetic but also aligns with the community's appreciation for sustainability and resourcefulness.
Some of the most iconic authentic vans you'll see feature intricate woodwork, worn leather seats, and a restrained color palette of earthy greens, browns, and beiges. The overall effect is a van that feels lived-in, comfortable, and connected to nature.
Community and Collaboration
The authentic vanning community is known for its tight-knit nature. Authentic Vanners often collaborate on projects, share resources, and support each other's builds. This sense of camaraderie fosters a culture of mutual respect and continuous learning.
One prime example of this collaboration is the Authentic Van Life Gathering, an annual event where Vanners come together to share ideas, showcase their builds, and celebrate their shared passion. These gatherings have become epicenters for the authentic vanning community, attracting enthusiasts from all over the world.
Era Vans
Era Vans, on the other hand, is deeply rooted in the hot rod and lowrider culture of Southern California. The era vanning scene embraces a more flashy, aggressive, and backyard hot rodder mentality, with builds often featuring loud, bold colors, over-the-top graphics, and big mean-looking tires.
Era Vans is a subculture that values spectacle and ostentation. It's about pushing boundaries, getting noticed, and pushing your van to the extreme. This is reflected in the unique aesthetic of era vans, which often feature wild paint jobs, extreme body mods, and massive, blinged-out interiors.
Build Aesthetics: Bold and Flashy
Era vans are all about making a statement. Bold, eye-catching colors like bright blues, reds, and DayGlo greens are standard. Blacked-out windows, outrageous graphics, and oversized body mods like flares and spoilers are also common.
But era vans aren't just about looks. They're also about performance. Era Vanners often focus on beefing up their van's power, upgrading suspension, and installing big, powerful stereo systems. This emphasis on performance makes era vans not just a sight to behold, but a force on the road.
Influence of Lowrider and Hot Rod Culture
The era vanning scene takes inspiration from lowrider and hot rod culture, incorporating elements like hydra-lic lift systems, Lincoln continental kits, and firebird throttle buttons into their builds. This convergence of styles results in a unique blend of old school and new school, with era vans often featuring classic C10 design elements mixed with modern materials and technology.
Era vanning events, like the annual Yorklyn Vanning Show, reflect this appreciation for tradition and innovation. These events feature an eclectic mix of classic and custom vans, hot rods, and lowriders, showcasing the diverse influences that shape the era vanning scene.
Both authentic and era vans have carved out their unique niches in the world of custom cars and trucks, offering enthusiasts vastly different-yet-enticing ways to express themselves through their vehicles. Whether you prefer the organic, earthy vibe of authentic vans or the loud, bold style of era vans, there's a place for everyone under the vast canvas of vanning culture. So, grab a can of paint, some woodworking tools, or a welder, and get building - your perfect van awaits.