Established in 1980 by father-son duo Bob and Steve Kesler, the Explorer Van Conversion Company began transforming vans into luxurious, coach-built vehicles, priding itself on quality and listening to what customers wanted in a conversion van. Interestingly, neither Bob nor Steve was mechanically inclined, so they had to hire carpenters, electricians, upholsterers and paint and body workers to execute the conversions. It was something that initially sounded like it would work against them, though it actually served them well, giving the conversions a high level of fit, finish, detail and appearance. Their first chassis was sold to Explorer by a dealership in Detroit, Michigan, which later became an Explorer retailer and remains so to this day. Behlmann GMC in St. Louis, Missouri, one of the largest van retailers in the nation, also became an early Explorer retailer. Owner Ken Behlmann was very impressed by the workmanship and felt that even with the competing brands, an Explorer Conversion would sell quickly—and it did, as the first van he took a chance on sold in one week. The company grew rapidly as word spread, and today, Explorer Van Conversions is one of the preeminent companies in the industry, converting Ford, GMC/Chevrolet and Mercedes-Benz vans. This one-ton 2019 GMC G3500 rides on an extended wheelbase and features a unique Quigley 4-wheel drive conversion with a mild body lift. Finished in black, it rolls on 18-inch, black-finished Fuel wheels with mildly aggressive tires suitable for both boulevard and trail cruising. Powered by a Duramax diesel engine and an automatic transmission, the van features a black leather interior complete with four captain’s chairs, heated front seats, a rear power-operated sofa bed, a stereo system, window shades and a host of other unique accoutrements. Having been under the stewardship of just a single owner, just over 29,860 miles are showing on this custom van.
