ZIPVAN MAKES FIRST APPEARANCE IN DOWNTOWN BETHESDA (PHOTOS)

EVEN IF YOU'RE

GREEN,

RESPECT THE VAN

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive

I am a van aficionado.  I've always been a fan of the classic Ford Econoline, Chevrolet and Dodge Ram cargo, passenger and conversion vans.  Even small vans get approval from me, and sometimes even imported attempts at vans, when they resemble vans.  Recently, I was admiring the new Nissan van that was getting thrashed by some spaced-out car critics.  I don't know what they were talking about.  It has real-van-man van styling.  Hence it is a van, and gains entry into the exclusive Van Club.  Respect the van.

Now, here comes a Zip vehicle even van lovers can respect:  the Zipvan.  Ordinarily, you'd hear "Zipvan" and think, "it's a Scion, right?"

"Wronggggg!," as Donald Rumsfeld would say.

It's a full-size, American cheeseburger, V-8 packing Ford Econoline van.  And ready to haul all of your belongings, furniture and home theater purchases, etc. around town, or back home to your downtown apartment.

For those living a car-free lifestyle, the Zipvan is a major help in doing so.  It can fill most of the necessary jobs the tiny ZipCar can't.

Plus, if you have Van Fever like me, here's a rare chance to hit the great American highway in your own Ford Econoline.  Even if it's just for a few hours.  Hear that V-8 roar.

Respect the Zipvan.