Upon the request of its original owner, this 1978 Dodge Tradesman B200 Maxivan was delivered new to customizer/artist Mike Pierce of The Art Works in Independence, Missouri, in mid-1977 and transformed around a nautical theme inspired by the story of Ulysses. The van features hand-painted airbrushed murals, hand-carved woodwork, custom headlight surrounds, a rope grille, tufted blue upholstery, wood interior paneling, shag carpeting, a wet bar, custom tables with cupholders, and other special details. Coined “Ulysess”, the Dodge was exhibited on the show circuit from 1978 until 1982, when it was placed into long-term storage. The van was removed from storage in 2020 and sold by its original owner’s spouse, and it subsequently was recommissioned and cleaned before being displayed in July 2021 at the 48th Van Nationals held in Albert Lea, Minnesota, where it earned the Flying Eagle award. Powered by a 440ci V8 linked to a three-speed automatic transmission, “Ulysess” also features fender flares, rack-style roof trim, side-exit exhaust pipes, fog lights, power steering, power front disc brakes, five-spoke Jegs 15″ wheels, rear helper springs, a rear ladder, and a tow ball as well as air conditioning, cruise control, a Realistic cassette stereo, and a Midland CB radio. The selling dealer purchased the vehicle in April 2025. Now showing 12k miles, this custom Dodge van is offered at no reserve as part of the 2026 Gas Monkey Garage Collection with manufacturer’s literature, service records from decades ago, and a Texas title.
The airbrushed artwork depicts a rendition of Homer’s ancient tale of Ulysses, complete with enticing mermaids, stormy seas, the hero’s doomed ship, and previous shipwrecks. The large ship on the driver side bears the name Diamond Jim, referencing the van’s original owner, according to the seller.
The passenger side of the vehicle shows Ulysses’s wrecked vessel in calmer water some time later. The handles for the hinged side doors have been shaved. The wood rack-style roof trim was re-created in 2020 by referencing original renderings.
The exterior features extensive hand-painted decorative scrollwork and ornamental detailing, portions of which are finished with genuine gold and silver leaf. Rope designs and ships’ wheels are etched into the rectangular side glass. Flared fenders, dual side pipes, and “Ulysess” markings adorn the lower body on both sides of the van.
Flanking a rope grille, hand-carved headlight surrounds are paired with lantern-style turn signals. Fog lights have been added above the front spoiler.
The hard spare-tire cover features stylized “Ulysess” lettering. The taillights have anchor designs. A ladder is affixed to one of the ambulance-style rear doors. The rear bumper supports a tow ball.
Artist Mike Pierce signed the vehicle on the passenger-side quarter panel and also on the driver side. Rope embellishments encircle the side-marker lights.
Dodge’s Maxivan featured a 127″ wheelbase with a 26″-longer rear overhang than the standard model. Five-spoke Weld-style Jegs 15″ wheels with dust shields were installed circa 2020 along with 265/50 Hankook Kinergy ST tires showing date codes from 2019. The van is equipped with power steering along with power-assisted front disc and rear drum brakes. Non-adjustable rear helper springs have been added. The windshield-wiper motor was replaced in 2026, according to the seller.
The high-back front bucket seats are upholstered in tufted blue velour. Woodgrain trim, shag carpeting, custom door panels, and other flourishes are found in the front compartment. A Realistic AM/FM/cassette stereo, a Midland International CB radio, and a Digitar quartz digital clock are positioned above the front seats. Other equipment includes air conditioning, cruise control, overhead spotlights, and Dual-brand speakers. The door jambs also sport custom-painted designs.
The center of the steering wheel is trimmed to match the seats. Instrumentation includes a 100-mph speedometer and gauges for fuel level, coolant temperature, alternator status, and oil pressure. The five-digit odometer shows just under 11,600 miles, approximately 10 of which were added by the selling dealer. The engine cover has blue and gray painted accents plus a trio of cupholders.
The rear side doors open to reveal a pair of captain’s chairs upholstered in the same materials as the front seats. An octagonal table with cupholders and an ashtray is secured to the floor between the two front rows of seats. Wood paneling has been applied to the floors, walls, and ceiling. The multi-color lights above the second-row seats had their wiring connected around 2020.
A wood cabinet houses a wet bar and storage compartments. The door to the icebox is decorated with a stained-glass-style compass.
A “Voyages of Ulysess” map is found above the sink. An LED light has been added to help illuminate the map and the bar.
A convertible rear bench seat is trimmed in blue vinyl and augmented by another wood table with cupholders. Other interior features include hand-carved woodwork, blue curtains, shag carpeting, a side table, and a ship-style bell.
The 440ci V8 was factory rated at 200 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque when new. The battery was replaced in 2025, and the ignition coil and the air filter were replaced in 2026.
Power is routed to the rear wheels through a LoadFlite three-speed automatic transmission.
The original artist’s business card is shown above. Accompanying manufacturer’s literature indicates that the van was purchased new from Overland Park Dodge of Overland Park, Kansas, and its warranty began in March 1978, after most of the customization work was conducted.
The Texas title lists “Exempt” under the Odometer Reading section.