Finally being released under the Gordon Miller Motors name is the GMLVAN V-01, an original custom model based on the popular Toyota Hiace DX with heavy-duty and authentic interior and exterior features such as four round eyes and solid wood interior.

The four members of the BAYCREW'S team, led by Acme Furniture/Journal Standard Furniture press director Katsuyama, who is known as one of the best outdoorsmen in the industry, gathered at a certain location in Tokyo in the morning. Mr. Maeda, a staff member at the JOURNAL STANDARD Furniture Shibuya store (photo at left), who often goes outdoors with Mr. Katsuyama in his private life, Mr. Tamaki, a JOURNAL STANDARD men's press representative (middle left), who was excited to experience the unknown of canyoning, and Mr. Kohichiro, who has little outdoor experience himself. (middle left photo), and Ms. Osawa (middle right photo), the only woman who has little experience in outdoor activities.

First, Mr. Katsuyama's personal belongings, as well as containers and furniture of the same brand, were loaded into the cargo space. The base vehicle is the Toyota Hiace, which is well supported by professionals, and the cargo space is vast even for four passengers. With a depth of approximately 1855mm, there is enough room for an adult to lie down, so there is still plenty of room even when loaded full of camping gear. With a sense of such roominess in our hearts, we drove to Kinugawa River.

The first thing that catches the eye on the exterior is the front grille with four round eyes embedded in it. The square space in the center is a millimeter-wave radar unit for the "TOYOTA SAFETY SENSE" safety equipment, which recognizes vehicles and pedestrians to avoid accidents. Despite its retro look, the latest technology has not been overlooked. The hood with embossed "GORDON MILLER" logo, A-pillar, and bumper are all original Gordon Miller products. The face is completely different from that of the base Hiace.

The look of simple white is the charm of the Hiace. I like the clean look of the Hiace. The classic round eyes with four lamps also tickles the male heart. says Mr. Maeda.

Ms. Osawa made this feminine comment. I thought it had a very special look, even for someone like me who doesn't know much about cars," she said. I took a lot of pictures because it's so powerful and looks great on Instagram!

In addition, black steel wheels and matte black side garnishes have been added to the body sides for a tough, geared look. As shown here, the vehicle can be optionally equipped with a South African FrontRunner carrier and a side awning that holds a tarp.

It's an eye-catching design that is different from that of a camper or a commercial vehicle, the Hiace. On the other hand, I have the impression that it is a well-balanced vehicle that leaves room for the owner to add his own arrangements. Katsuyama says, "If it were me, I might add a bike carrier to the rear, lift up the body, or change to heavy-duty tires.

Despite its looks, the engine is the latest design. As a craftsman's van that was originally designed to carry a full load of people and gear, it is powerful enough to deliver torque right from the start.

Although it is a mono-grade, there are three engine and drive types to choose from: 2-liter gasoline engine, 2WD; 2.8-liter diesel engine, 2WD or 4WD; and fuel economy of 10.4 to 13.0 km/L, which is probably a good thing for the wallet.

"The suspension is also very comfortable with little bounce, which is typical of vans. The overcab design and high seats make it easy to see and easy to drive, even though it is a large vehicle. All controls are within easy reach, so this is a vehicle that will not tire you out over long periods of time or long distances," says Katsuyama.

The car has a lot of horsepower, but it doesn't shake too much, which is great for relaxing in the car," said Tamaki, who says he gets carsick easily.

Enjoying stress-free touring, we arrived at Kinugawa in about three hours using the Tohoku Expressway and Nikko-Utsunomiya Road! Now, it's time to try canyoning.

I arrived at Kinugawa Rafting NAOC. It is the largest tour company in the area that offers a variety of water activities using the Kinugawa River and its tributaries.

Canyoning is an outdoor activity born in the U.S. where people enjoy playing in mountain streams while getting wet. Wetsuits, felt shoes, helmets, and life jackets are all available for rent, so there is no need for special gear or preparation.

After a quick change of clothes, we arrived at a tributary of the Kinugawa River. The water temperature was still low in early summer, and the entry into the river was a little scary. First, we got used to the water by splashing around like children and floating around in our life jackets. Next, we climbed up a little bit of rocky terrain and dove into the depths from a height of about 5 meters. It doesn't look like much, but it feels like a lot of altitude. But as I dove in again and again, my curiosity grew stronger than my fear, and I began to seek higher and more intense parts.

Katsuyama, who has experienced many activities, also experienced canyoning for the first time. I was scared at first because I am afraid of heights and I am not good at swimming," she said. "But unlike activities in the ocean or lakes, the view of the forest and the sunlight filtering through the trees when I was lying on my back and swimming felt really good. In retrospect, I would do it again!"

Tamaki, who had a smile on his face the whole time, said, "I had the feeling of becoming one with nature. It was cold, but the adrenaline pumped through me and I forgot about it. The thrill of jumping off a cliff is also unique to canyoning! I was so excited.

This was my first experience in the water outdoors in my life. Canyoning does not require any special skills or equipment, so I thought it would be an easy challenge. It was exciting to slide down rivers and jump off cliffs with only my body! I felt it was an activity that is more exciting when done with a large group of people," said Osawa.

You can take a dip in a waterfall or go down a slide created by natural rock formations at ....... We spent an hour and a half in the waterfalls, lost in our childhood memories. We had a lot of fun until we were exhausted, forgetting how cold it was at first.

While canyoning, the buoyancy of the life jacket and water made it easy to feel the gravity of the river, but once out of the river, the weight of the water was immediately felt. Combined with the heavy wetsuit, which had absorbed a lot of water, the feeling of fatigue hit me at once.

After a quick change of clothes, we arrived at a riverbank recommended by the instructor. By unfurling the optional side awning of the GMLVAN V-01 and deploying camping equipment and Gordon Miller gear under the tarp, the site was immediately transformed into a campsite. Sink into a chair and relax for a while. I make a cup of coffee to warm up my cold body and reflect on this day trip.

It was the first time for me to build a camp site with an awning, but it's deep and perfect for this. Of course you can put out chairs and tables for relaxing, but you can also use it for tinkering with bicycles and for events such as flea markets because of my profession. If you put a curtain on the awning and a projector in the car, you can watch movies. It's a car worth playing with," says Katsuyama. The outdoorsman is also satisfied with the result.

When camping, assembling a tent and preparing a lot of gear is quite difficult for women because it requires a lot of strength and manpower. Just opening the tarp to complete the roof is great because it makes it easy to create a relaxing environment," says Osawa.

Tamaki, who is always looking for something new to do, also commented that it was a hassle. He says, "The high point is the ease with which you can take your luggage out of the car and get it ready right next to the car. Even cleaning up is easy. It's a higher grade, a richer experience."

When the air outside gets a little cooler or it starts to rain, you can retreat to your van. Gordon Miller Motors is proud to present an interior that recreates the atmosphere of a vintage van with solid walnut on the ceiling, sides, and table tops. The seats and table can be arranged to accommodate a maximum of six passengers using the second row of seats, a table mode where friends can chill facing each other, and a full flat mode where the seats and table can be stowed away to make use of the vast cargo space (approximately 2470 mm deep, which can even fit a surfboard! (The seats and table can be folded down to utilize the vast cargo space.) ), and a full flat mode where the seats and table can be stowed away to utilize the vast cargo space.

The table can be pulled out to a table mode where four adults can sit facing each other. If you are staying overnight, you can play card games while sharing drinks. The smell of the solid walnut wood is like that of a log cabin. Since it is real wood, you can enjoy its deterioration over time.

According to Mr. Maeda, "I usually deal with furniture in my work, but the interior of the car, which is richly decorated with wood and solid walnut, is especially fresh. It has a fairly large load capacity, so I would like to load up a tent sauna and travel around the country's mountains and rivers.

In addition, if the second row of seats are completely stowed away, the car can be fully flat. With a depth of approximately 2,470 mm, it is spacious enough for two adults to stay overnight in the car if a rug is laid out. It can be used not only for auto camping, but also for waiting for surfing waves or as a shelter for festivals. It is also equipped with curtain rails to ensure privacy space and can be used for women to change clothes, which is also a thoughtful feature.

There are so many ways to enjoy the car," he said, "staying overnight in it, lying down and relaxing. "There are many ways to enjoy yourself," says Tamaki, "such as staying overnight in the car, lying down and relaxing, and even having a desk. I was surprised that this could be done not with a camper but with the size of the Hiace," says Tamaki.

Moreover, if the cargo compartment is left empty, you can load up as much luggage as you like. The optional roof carrier has a load capacity of up to 200 kg, so if you combine the carrier and cargo space, you can even go on a long surf trip throughout Japan in search of waves.

The spacious backseat allows you to relax not only while driving, but also when the table is spread out or the car is fully flat. I also appreciated the curtain rails, which made it easy to change clothes without worrying about being seen! As Mr. Osawa commented, the car is packed with points that women will appreciate.

The GMLVAN V-01 combines a retro, warm interior and exterior with the latest in power and safety features. Above all, you want to keep driving for 10 or 20 years. The GMLVAN V-01 is an option that should be considered by those who want to continue driving for 10 to 20 years.