Hello, I'm Steve and I am the new owner of a 1970 Subaru van that has an interesting history. The van was owned at one time by Ed Parsil. Ed tells me he sold it to MGM and was in a Richard Gere movie called Red Corner. Apparently it was later sold to a large movie prop company and appeared in movies, TV shows and commercials such as Lethal Weapon 4, Touched by an Angel, Inspector Gadget and an episode of Malcolm in the Middle. The prop company recently went out of business and auctioned off the van. While I was joining the club, Ed and I realized this was a van that he once owned. When I have a chance, I'll post some pics of the van.

Welcome! and yes, we'd really like to see this van.

Welcome!

That's a great story. Did you see the movie? Did the van figure prominently or just appear in the background for a few seconds? I may have to rent that movie! And what about that episode of "Malcolm in the Middle" and the other shows? I want to see!

Steve

The only one I've seen so far is the very corny Malcolm in the Middle, Burning Man episode. I was able to view it on the internet. The van is in several background shots. Here's the link: http://watchxonline.com/media/5680-malc ... ng-man.php

Steve,

Thanks much for citing that episode. I couldn't get your link to work, but I was able to find a copy of the episode that I could edit. I boiled it down to the 18 seconds that has the van in the shot, and put it on my website. Go to http://www.mysubaru360.com/TV/ and see the link at the bottom of the page.

Cool paint job! Was that for the TV show, or is that the permanent "look"?

Steve

Hard to tell what it was painted for. The info I got from the prop company was very limited. At some point, it was used as a taxi prop.

Here is a picture of van as I got it.

Wow. Crazy paint scheme. I doubt it looked like that when Ed owned it.

wow, groovy paint job, man!

we need to get some translation on those asian characters on the side...

looks like you'll be needing a rear door handle...

I have the handle but don't know why it was removed and filled in. I guess I need to rent Lethal Weapon 4 to see what it looked like in that movie.

I guess the handle didn't jive with the "artist's vision" - you dig?

I think I remember it in lethal weapon. I think it was yellow then.

In one of it's movie appearances it was used as a Chinese Taxi.

any plans to make movies with you new van?


I've made a few to give you some inspiration....


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y60LHF8NwYs


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5cEpJIAMnc


The Subaru 360 Van is the star of the show!

Actually I'm going to drive it as is for a while but I'd like to paint it and possibly do a motorcycle engine swap of at least 900cc.

You know, I don't want to sound crass or come off sounding like a 'know it all'. A lot of new 360 owners say they are going to put a motorcycle engine in. I have yet to see it done. It can be done. Tony did it to his van, but then took it out. Lots of cutting, lots of hassle, lots of work!. I'd highly suggest getting what you have running well and enjoy it for what it is. I've done some speed testing with mine. Remember, your perfectly sound 360 van brakes are marginal over 60 mph. If you can get your van up tp 65 mph with the 360 engine.... you have created a monster, and it's pretty darn satisfying !

http://www.youtube.com/user/2stroketurb ... 60LHF8NwYs

What? You're NOT a "know it all"? I want my money back. Being able to talk with know-it-alls is why I signed up to this board. I'm certainly not one of those. At least I know what I don't know.

Steve