I know this is Internet 101 right here for any auto geek, but it is time to honor a man with a passion that exemplified what it means to be a member of the Hoonisphere. If you think that looks like a normal Dodge Minivan – hop the jump to get served… (that’s right, I went there)Gus Mahon was a man who didn’t let family needs stop him from enjoying a passion of drag racing, nor did he let them take a precedent… He simply looked at the 1989 Dodge Caravan as a means to combine both parts of his life that brought him joy.
Caravan you say? Yes Caravan I say, one equipped with a 2.5L turbocharged motor ready and willing for a hoon tune. In stock form, the minivan was capable of a 16.5 second jaunt down the quarter-mile track, which is actually fairly surprising. Gus knew that his box was capable of more and he went to work. Soon his track slips started showing mid-15’s, then into the 14’s, and finally into the bottom of the 13 second range – in 100% street legal form mind you. Gus would pack up the family and drive the van to the track, then they would all hop out and he would don his helmet so he could embarrass a few folks…
His goal was to eventually get his “Mean Mini” into the 12’s and push harder and faster, but sadly he died in 2002. He was enjoying a ride on his motorcycle when he was struck by a car. However, he inspired a generation of fans who carry on the Turbo Van spirit – including one Paul E. Smith (who receives honorable Hoon Hall of Fame mention for carrying on the torch) who DID take his van into the 12 second realm:
If that video doesn’t warm the sub-cockles of your heart, you may be at the wrong website…
RIP Gus Mahon and thank you Paul Smith for keeping the turbo van tradition alive and running strong.
Gus Mahon is our first inductee into the Hoon Hall of Fame for carrying on the tradition started by Hoons McSmitty.
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