Fan Van Wheelchair Minivan Hits the Track!
Posted by Jack on Monday, November 3rd, 2008Below is the “official” press release for this unique wheelchair van, but I wanted to preface this by giving some much-deserved credit to the creator of this vehicle, BraunAbility’s Graphic Specialist Tom Jones. Tom spent many hours “pimping” this ride, and his incredible attention to detail really makes this Rampvan stand out. I had a chance to sit in the driver seat before it shipped, and it felt as close to the real thing as you could get without going 200mph around a track. I hope you’re able to view the van in person sometime “it really is something to see!” Here’s the press release:
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The Ultimate Fan Van will be unveiled at the 2008 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, and features the same extensive vehicle modifications that provide for outstanding wheelchair access, along with a host of new features ideal for the avid race fan.
Built by BraunAbility, the Ultimate Fan Van is equipped with removable passenger seats with wheelchair tie-down points for up to three wheelchairs, a fully lowered floor, foldout ramp and an innovative kneeling rear suspension, all designed to provide unparalleled access for wheelchair and scooter users.
“The Ultimate Fan Van was developed to help increase awareness of this unique conversion, and to remind us that race fans, and people in general, come in all shapes, sizes and abilities”, said Bob Swaim, national manager for Mobility, Regulatory Compliance & People at Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. “We and BraunAbility intend to display the vehicle during the 2009 race season and then donate it to someone who can put it to good use.”
The floor of the van has been lowered by 11-inches, decreasing the ramp angle and allowing for deployment onto curbs, making it easier to enter and exit the vehicle and increasing interior headroom. The 30-inch-wide power ramp has three conveniently located control switches, emergency door-ramp release and anti-skid ramp coating. Full ramp extension requires only five seconds after the power sliding side door is fully open.
The Ultimate Fan Van features the same distinctive red and black paint scheme and racing-style decals as the No. 38 Toyota Camry campaigned in the Nationwide Series by Braun Racing. Driven by Jason Leffler of Long Beach, Calif., the team gave the Camry its historic first NASCAR victory by winning the Nationwide Series race in July 2007 at O’Reilly Raceway Park in Indianapolis.
Helping to provide the race car is a custom grill, air dam and simulated hood pins. Roofline air deflectors, mandatory on Nationwide race cars, replace the roof rack and there’s even a custom cut window net, another must for the track. The exterior is capped off by a Toyota Accessory rear spoiler and Toyota Racing Division (TRD) Exhaust Tip.
The interior is highlighted by custom Katzkin seating in black and white leather with red suede upholstery, with matching door inserts and a custom Permobil wheelchair. Carbon Fiber by Superior Dash is used for the instrument panel, door trim, and steering wheel. A DVD entertainment system is included with JBL audio and subwoofer and Sirius XM Satellite Radio, for the latest in race information.
The Sienna also has been fitted with TRD 19 inch wheels, paired with Yokohama ADVAN S.4 245/45R19 performance tires. TRD custom brakes feature larger front rotors with 4-piston calipers and cross-drilled rear rotors with 2-piston calipers. Braided stainless steel brake lines are used throughout. Other hardware racing touches include a TRD oil filler cap and custom painted engine cover.
Any race fan knows the ultimate experience is not complete without everything needed for a tailgate and the Sienna Rampvan comes loaded with Colemen equipment including a Roadtrip Grill, cooler, cordless blender and canvas chairs.
Toyota supports new Sienna Rampvan customers by offering a $1,000 mobility assistance reimbursement. For more details, visit www.toyota.com/mobility.
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So, are you ready to take this baby for a spin around the track? We’ll keep you posted on where it will be appearing throughout the year. Who knows? After people see this, they may launch a new “Wheelchair Minivan Series!” It could happen. Let us know what you think by commenting below!
Tags: rampvan, toyota, Wheelchair Vans
November 21st, 2008 at 9:58 pm
I’m in the market for an accessible van & this could be it. Please make it! Thanks, Arnie
November 22nd, 2008 at 10:35 am
Hi Arnie, while it’s definitely the sharpest van we’ve ever built, I’m not sure that it will make it into mass production! If you’re really interested in this particular van, I don’t believe it’s been decided what we will do with it after it makes the rounds of trade shows and other promotional events next year. Keep in touch with us, and also keep checking the blog, as we’ll update you on the van’s location throughout the year – maybe you’ll have a chance to see it in person. Thanks, Jack
December 17th, 2008 at 10:29 pm
I have to second Arnie’s request. You don’t often see performance and mini-van in the same sentence. This is a perfect vehicle for an auto entusiast who is stuck driving a wheelchair van. I realize that this is a one-off show car, but the brakes, wheel and tire package, bumper, spoiler and interior upgrades are all options that I would consider adding to my next wheelchair van purchase if they were available. Awesome job.
April 6th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
Hey Guys, Everybody that had anything to do with the make-up of this van. Should take a bowl. I WANT HIS VAN, OMG this is the neatest thing I’ve ever seen, yes i’m am that enthusiast that is stuck driving a worn out wheelchair van. But seriously guys you have out did yourselves on this one, speaking from a wheelchair user and a wheelchair van owner and a ex motocross racer, I have never seen such an awesome piece of machinery. It would be a dream come true to get this van and be able to race it in the new class the gentleman suggested earlier, I would give anything to make this happen, you guys just dont understand what kind of stuff i’ve been through since i broke my neck racing, my life, my passion, my career, my living was all gone in one second, you guys have Ricky now, WATCH OUT JIMMY, your the best i know but just wait Carmichael WILL STEAL THE SHOW. Getting back to my van, I will drive it with the up most pride, I live here in Florida but i’d be willing to drive it to every race to show it off and remember i would win that new class.
Patrick ” BEE” Stevenson
January 20th, 2010 at 4:19 am
this is the most beautiful van ever,i have a glioma tumor in my spinal cord,this is the reason way i am a wheelchair user,after 3 year of chemotherapy and 28 radiations i loose my independence and my legs control,i will love back to drive in something like this because i am a true van lover tank you,MIGUEL A.