1983 Nissan Urvan Safari

AFFECTIONATELY dubbed the “Smicko Van” with number plates to match, David Andrew’s 1983 Nissan Urvan Safari was recently transformed into a travelling work of art.

Mr Andrew commissioned local artist Phil Clements to paint a detailed mural inspired by summer road trips on the van’s exterior.

“I share the van with one of my best mates,” Mr Andrew said.

“We are planning on refitting the interior and going for a coastal “boho style” and wanted the paint job to reflect that as well.

“We just use the van for camping and weekends away at the beach so we thought the Volkswagen Kombi and the surfer would look cool.

“Phil has done an awesome job – we are really happy with how it turned out.”

The Smicko has a five speed, 2L petrol engine and was purchased in 2015.

“We found the van online – it was advertised on Facebook and we thought it looked cool,” Mr Andrew said.

“My mate and I always wanted one and all the components inside were original so it was a rare find.”

Restoration work began with Mr Clements painting over the faded original paint job.

“I have been in David’s workshop for about a week working on the van and it’s nearly finished,” Mr Clements said.

“There are only a few small details to add.

“I used perspective techniques to create depth and make the images look three dimensional.”

Mr Andrew estimated the van was valued at over $10,000.

“We saw one on the highway recently, the same make and model as ours, which was selling for $10,000,” he said.

“I’m not sure exactly but I would imagine it would be worth between $10,000 and $20,000.”

The Australian built, pop-top campervan was likely a limited edition and features covered stoves, a fold-out bed, fridge, cupboards, sink and working tap – ready for camping.

“Soon it will be a glamping van,” Mr Andrew said.

“The upholstery is original for now until the refitting and we plan to source parts locally.

“We are taking the Smicko for a big trip in February along the East Coast of Australia.”