The hit 1980s TV show The A-Team made stars of its lead actors and spawned a whole host of memorable quotes which we still use today. The plots may have been a bit far-fetched but that was all part of the charm, and a major factor in why it is still so appealing to fans new and old. The show centred around four members of a US Army special forces unit, who had been framed for and convicted of a crime they didn't commit. Escaping from a prison facility, the four renegades go on the run, trying to clear their name while working as mercenary soldiers of fortune. Every episode involves a convoluted plot which sees B.A. Baracus refusing to get on a plane, a trope that has persisted throughout the years and for which the actor Mr T is very well known.
Those of us who remember watching the show as kids will still recall the iconic black and grey van with a red stripe and red rear spoiler. It was a GMC Vandura, an otherwise inconspicuous vehicle that would not arouse suspicion but which was instantly recognisable to those in the know. Some of us still harbour a hidden desire to own a vehicle that looks like the A-Team van, and with Mint Graphics you can make your dreams a reality.
You may not be able to source the exact vehicle for your own A-Team van but as it's the colour scheme rather than the brand and model that fans remember, any black or grey van will fit the bill. Ideally, the van will be large enough that it has a sliding side door in addition to the rear doors for the most authentic look, but we think fans of the show could turn any size van into an A-Team classic.
The top half of the vehicle is grey, starting at the bonnet, coming along the front doors just under the window line and then travelling diagonally upwards towards the red rear spoiler. The other half of the bodywork is black and the red stripe separates the two, becoming thicker towards the back of the vehicle. If you start out with a grey or black van you'll only need to have half the bodywork resprayed to match, while a white van will require a full respray or wrap. The A-Team at Mint Graphics can provide a bespoke red decal to add the final touches – because we can make any size or shape of vehicle sticker to order it doesn't matter if you're working with a Transit or a Trafic as we'll cut the decals exactly to size.
When you receive the vinyl decals they will come with full instructions to apply them. As with any project requiring precision, this is a task to do in good light, with plenty of time and a tape measure to hand. Once you've got the paintwork sorted and your custom made vehicle decals on the side, the finishing touch will be the red rear spoiler. Depending on the vehicle model you start off with, you may be able to purchase one off the shelf, but you may also need to have one custom made if there's no ready made solution. It's likely that you'll need the spoiler sprayed to match the red stripe, but vehicle resprayers will be able to exactly colour match the stickers for a seamless look.
With your A-Team replica van you will be the envy of A-Team fans wherever you go, just don't try getting any of your passengers on a plane!
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