There's two paths one could go, and I can speak on experience:
Vehicle #1: 1984 Ford E-350 Diesel Conversion Van, White - with ladder racks.
Loud as hell (6.9 ltr Internartional that's non turbo charged, 4.88 dana rear), draws way too much attention (since every van the cops are looking for always seems to be white, with ladder racks), expensive to keep running, parts can be hard to find.
Vehicle #2: 1986 Ford Crown Vic LTD Country Squire station wagon, Maroon with brown paneling, with 5.0 SVO HO motor.
Now this ride is quiet, pretty fuel efficient, do-able for sleeping in (fold down the rear seat and there's enough room for a coffin) and attracts no attention whatsoever - except by those who want to offer me 2x what I paid for it. Parts are also very easy to find, and are for the most part quite inexpensive.
That's the route I'd go, especially if looking to do some serious driving since this thing rides like a limo.
Hope the cat who started this thread comes back....