Big In Japan

You Only Live (To Adventure) Twice

From the far away and wonderous backroads of Japan, March 2024's ROTM is brought to us by Nomadic Vans; JDM importer, dealer and service center of your dream retro adventure van... including a Hilux or two. Presented by Gardner Cord, owner operator of Nomadic Vans, Gardner gives JDM adventure vehicles a second life in the mountain playgrounds of Sun Valley Idaho and beyond. Today we are checking out "Reptar", a 1997 Mitsubishi Delica, with a couple of added special touches.

Give us a quick INTRO- who are you? Where do you live?

Heyyo! I am Gardner Cord, a Sun Valley, Idaho local, avid mtn biker/skier, entrepreneur and lover of all things outdoors! If the trail is steep, deep and hard to get to then that’s where I want to be!

Give us a quick overview of your rig.

I have a super premium 1997 Mitsubishi Delica L400 packing a 2.8L intercooled turbo diesel engine. This rad Japanese van comes stock with a 4x4 drivetrain and a short wheel base so that you can get to any trailhead, no matter how remote (unlike those sprinters you see clogging up the road…) The “rear cabin” can seat 5 of your best buds comfortably while you do shuttle laps, and then converts into a bed for the evening campout – and yes this is all stock as well! Lets just say the Japanese were ahead of their time in the 90’s.

Tell us about any special modifications that make your rig stand out.

Luckily enough the Delica doesn’t need to many aftermarket upgrades to be road trip ready. Just add a roof rack for some extra gear, and the North Shore Rack for the bike quiver and you are good to go! Well I suppose the aftermarket rims and “Nomadic Van” decal spruce up the exterior since I don’t stand out enough in my right hand drive right…

What is the best road trip you’ve taken your rig on?

Not super exciting road trip wise, but car/van camping off Teton Pass with 20 friends and riding until our hands hurt for days on end stands out. Can’t beat having a killer crew doing party laps from sun up to sun down!

What would be your next dream road trip?

I’ve always wanted to drive Bend -> Bellingham -> British Columbia and a few spots in between to hit all the biking destinations in the PNW.

How long have you had your North Shore Rack?

I have had my North Shore Rack for a year and a half!

In your travels, what is your favorite riding location/favorite trail?

Well there are a few local favorites in Sun Valley that I wont mention here… But Double Black/Double Down in Bellingham and Lithium on Teton Pass always get me going!

Coffee, beer or tea?

Coffee in the morning, beer after a good ride!

Shuttle/road trip essential tunes?

Man I suppose it all depends on the mood. But likely Holy Diver by Dio to get everyone pumped up!