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HomePick of the DayUnusual survivor 1966 Ford Econoline window van in original condition

Unusual survivor 1966 Ford Econoline window van in original condition

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Gather round, children, and let me tell you of a time when vans were cool.  That would be the 1960s, when U.S. automakers, spurred by the success of the Volkswagen microbus, developed their own small vans for businesses, families and hip young people.

The Pick of the Day, a 1966 Ford Falcon Econoline window van, would have been a gem in that era of peace, love and aimless road trips.

econoline
Some rust and dents are evident

This Econoline also has a fun history, first serving as a fire-rescue vehicle in Beulah, North Dakota, although without extra equipment added and remaining in factory condition, according to the Eyote, Minnesota, private seller advertising the van on ClassicCars.com.  It apparently didn’t see much action since it has just over 25,000 miles on its odometer, the seller notes.

The window van is an “unmolested true survivor” with its original paint, interior and mechanical parts, the seller says in the ad, and it has been totally recommissioned and serviced after a long dormancy.

econoline
The engine compartment is nestled between the seats

“The motor is completely rebuilt and overhauled, clutch new, water pump, fuel pump, starter ring gear, alternator, brakes, master cylinder and wheel cylinders,” the seller says, ticking off replacement parts.  “Everything works great. Drive it home.”

The truck is equipped with a 240cid straight-6 engine with a 3-speed, column-shift manual transmission, a heavy-duty suspension package and 9-inch rear.

Some body rot and dents – including a big thump on the right front corner – are present on the truck, but it retains its correct side mirrors, hub caps and other original parts, the ad says.  It has been garage kept throughout its existence, the seller notes.

econoline
The van still has its factory side mirrors and hub caps

  “Runs and looks excellent for original condition,” the seller says “You will not find a better Econoline for the money, all mechanicals work great – this van speaks for itself.”

This Econoline could be kept as is and enjoyed, or it could be a good prospect for restoration, the seller notes.  Or it could be made into a cool retro camper.

econoline
The simple original dashboard looks clean

The photos show a van that looks surprisingly nice for its age, particularly since the vast majority of these handy trucks were worked hard and tossed away when done. But Econolines were loads of fun back in the day, and the ones that managed to survive were those that became Scooby Doo party vans or hippie road trippers.

So a preserved Econoline window van in totally stock condition is a rare relic and an unusual find.  It’s priced at $14,450.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.

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Bob Golfen
Bob Golfen
Bob Golfen is a longtime automotive writer and editor, focusing on new vehicles, collector cars, car culture and the automotive lifestyle. He is the former automotive writer and editor for The Arizona Republic and SPEED.com, the website for the SPEED motorsports channel. He has written free-lance articles for a number of publications, including Autoweek, The New York Times and Barrett-Jackson auction catalogs. A collector car enthusiast with a wide range of knowledge about the old cars that we all love and desire, Bob enjoys tinkering with archaic machinery. His current obsession is a 1962 Porsche 356 Super coupe.

1 COMMENT

  1. I have a 1965 Ford econoline. Love it. My third one. My first one I wreaked. My second one I sold and this one I’ve had now 7 years. Won’t sell it. Love my baby

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