This Ex-Jimmy Buffett 2004 Ford E-350 Sportsmobile Is a Bona Fide Overlanding Rig

If you're looking for a reliable American-made vehicle outfitted as a camper by one of the first American conversion van companies, here is a 2004 Ford E-350 Sportsmobile with a full four-wheel drive system and a powerful 6.0-liter V8 Power Stroke diesel engine that also has a bit of a celebrity status attached to it.

This Ford E-350 Sportsmobile 4x4 was bought new by legendary American singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett, who customized and outfitted it as an overlanding camper through Sportsmobile West a couple of years after it rolled off the factory line in 2004.

The venerated E-series van may be out of production, as Ford pulled the plug on this series in 2014, but the Econoline experience lives on through classic conversions like this one.

Jimmy Buffett, the man who personifies beach life, was an avid camping aficionado, and he particularly loved camper vans made by Sportsmobile. The renowned musician owned no fewer than three of them at some point in his life. He owned this particular E-350 van since it was new through to 2020, and it brought miles of smiles to his face while exploring the California and Baja coasts for surf.

The Ford E-350 Sportsmobile is finished in white, and from the outside, it looks like a rugged camping rig. It received a full four-wheel drive system and a suspension lift that improved ground clearance during the conversion, which gave it impressive off-road capability. Besides a well-kitted-out living space inside, the camper van is also equipped with an extended-height roof for ample headroom and a Fiamma awning for shade and shelter.

The rugged exterior look is amplified by a set of black 16″ American Racing wheels shod in Cooper Discoverer S/T Maxx tires, Aluminess bumpers (the front one with fog lights and winch), and AMP Research retractable running boards. Other exterior details include hood louvers, fender flares, roof-access ladders, Yakima roof bars, and a rear shower.

A turbodiesel 6.0-liter Power Stroke V8 hides under the hood of this 2004 Ford E-350. The engine was treated to a new short block in October 2021 and is also fitted with an FASS fuel pump, a Wicked Wheel turbo impeller, and a revised camshaft. Power is sent to the rear or all four wheels through a five-speed automatic transmission and a dual-range transfer case, while four-wheel disc brakes ensure efficient stopping power.

The interior is surprisingly well accouterred for an old-school camper van and offers sleeping space for two adults, with more available if needed thanks to a fold-down couch. This makes it perfect for both couples and small families who love the open road.

Starting with the cab, there is not much to stand out here, apart from an aftermarket stereo controller on the steering wheel. Believe it or not, there are no less than six seatbelted chairs inside the van - the driver's and passenger’s chairs in the cab, an extra removable middle captain's seat with shoulder belt, and three seatbelts on the rear couch, so you can take an entire party with you on the road.

Both the cab and the actual living space in the rear are finished in gray vinyl upholstery. The compact floorplan is open and includes a kitchenette, a convertible sofa for lounging and sleeping, a two-person bed in the rear, and ample storage space.

In terms of amenities, the 4x4 Sportsmobile features air conditioning, an Alpine touchscreen head unit, a CB radio, residential-style electrical outlets, and a fold-down entertainment screen.

The kitchenette offers ample counter and cupboard space and comes fitted with a sink with running water, a butane stove, a microwave, and a Norcold fridge.

The rear section of the van is occupied by the lounging and sleeping quarters. You will notice plenty of overhead cabinets for storage in this area, as well as a power-operated ceiling vent. Window shades and overhead lighting are available throughout.

Buffett's well-preserved 2004 Ford E-350 Sportsmobile is currently offered for sale out of Denver, Colorado, with 69,000 miles on the odometer and a clean Carfax report. The current owner says he bought the vehicle directly from the renowned musician in 2020 and is now selling it with some personal belongings that are said to have been left in the van by Buffett himself. These include a hand-held margarita blender, several hats, a belt, and some DVDs.

Apart from the legendary VW Bus, a vehicle recognized by many as a symbol of freedom and adventure, van life can not possibly get more iconic than the Sportsmobile, so this is a great opportunity for anyone looking to travel the country in a bonafide camping rig.