IVAN BENIC: I realised that, hey people want to see something with some imagination.
This is Cosmic Cruiser and it’s actually regarded as the world’s wildest van.
IVAN BENIC: I’m learning new stuff and I want to express myself and I keep learning. So that’s how you become
a master of something – just learn from good people and there is nothing that you can’t do.
COMM: In 1974, artist Ivan Benic had a dream to build the wildest van the world had ever seen.
IVAN BENIC: It’s absolutely something I thought I had to do and I did it.
COMM: Weighing a colossal 10,400 pounds and towering over 6 ft, this is the Cosmic Cruiser.
IVAN BENIC: 76' we took a straight Chevy van and basically we chopped it six inches, but then we took a 69'
Vista Cruiser station wagon roof, which had really nice glass in it. We put it up in the roof, which kind of made it
tall again. It’s all handmade. The only thing that on the outside of the body that’s still original – door handle.
COMM: As well as masterminding the construction of the vehicle, Ivan has also painted the entire exterior of
the van by hand.
IVAN BENIC: I make sure that I create my own style. So this is all my work. That’s how I started.
When I was about seven, I was always the kid that wasn’t listening that was doodling on the desk and all
that every piece of paper I could get my hands on.
COMM: And Ivan’s detailed artwork and design never fail to go unnoticed by anyone who comes across it.
MICHAL: But you know what, this van has like beautiful artwork, it has got this waterfall kind of blue lagoon.
No, I haven’t seen a van like this, no way. Holy *beep*! You got drink holders, where is the fridge? Here.
So now we got a bed.
MICHAL: Got a sunroof. For this, for this being 30-plus years old, man this is pretty nice.
Does it have like turbo boost?
MICHAL: What’s a pimp ride man?
IVAN BENIC: So wait, I am going to get in properly. I didn’t know you were filming. This is the proper way
to get in. The older we get, it’s like getting on a horse, you know.
IVAN BENIC: I was just feeling my way through being an artist.
BILL HOWITT: Ivan is virtually a legend around here. Anybody who is interested in cars knows something
about Ivan. From the size of cars that I am used to, it’s a monstrous automobile that is out of this world.
It’s just beyond understanding.
IVAN BENIC: People normally are just plain old surprised that one person standing in front of them built that, you
know, I am driving 500 miles into the US and pulling off for gas, yeah, cars follow me off the highway, just to talk to
me, right. And then it becomes a half-hour interview. And for the most part, it brings smiles to people’s faces
because they know that they have seen something special, something different.
COMM: Ivan has lost count of the thousands of dollars spent on the Cruiser, but for him none of that matters.
IVAN BENIC: We didn’t really think about the money, like it's secondary. It’s worth a lot to me. So I wouldn't even
consider selling it until I am ready to go and park myself on the beach with a pina colada.