General Motors and Ford compete for the spot at the front of the grid, while the ‘Pole Award’ has become an option for companies with fewer resources, such as Starcraft.
Born in 1977, this Indiana company was the first to focus on ‘Conversion Vans’, which consisted precisely of converting vans into luxury vehicles, used for recreational purposes or everyday use. This ‘American trend’, which began at the end of the 1970s, basically preconized MPVs (Multi Purpose Vehicles). Relishing on the ample space and powerful engines of American vans, these companies transformed them into luxurious vehicles, with real armchairs, hi-fi sound systems, fridges and other limousine-like features. To that, Starcraft added the benefit of modular cabins, being able, for example, to transform the interior space into a kind of ‘motorhome’ by folding or rotating the seats.
The association with racing was one of Starcraft’s arguments and, perhaps for this reason, it applied sporty touches, such as wider tracks, special rims that were also wider, extra headlights and exuberant decorations.
Emerson was the author of the Pole in 1990 and was awarded this specimen, which is based on a GMC G20, powered by the classic 162 hp 5.7 litre V8 and equipped with all the luxuries that a champion deserves. This exuberant and unusual machine, as well as symbolising the importance of the Indianapolis 500, is a living memory of a certain period in America’s rich car culture.