One attraction of the custom scene is that it allows owners to be bold and daring. Some choose the safe path, while others consider more left-field alternatives. This 1961 Ford Econoline Pickup is a perfect example of that thinking. It probably wouldn’t be most people’s first choice, but a previous owner has added enough custom touches to guarantee it will turn heads and perform well beyond Ford’s original expectations. Its next journey could be to a new home, with the seller listing the Econoline here on eBay in Polk City, Florida. They have set their BIN at $16,500 for a vehicle that is almost certainly unique.
Ford introduced its Econoline range in 1961, basing the new model on the compact Falcon underpinnings. Its design specifications meant that a V8 was not an option. However, as we will see, nobody told this classic’s previous owner because the engine hiding below this Pickup’s skin is more potent than anything available when it rolled off the line. It makes a striking first impression, with its virtually flawless semi-gloss Black paint and enormous wheels providing a sense of presence. I am typically not a fan of semi-gloss, but it seems the right choice on this Ford. The vehicle looks purposeful and will undoubtedly turn heads. The panels are dead straight, with hardly a ripple or imperfection. Its beauty is more than skin deep because the Pickup’s frame and floors are rock-solid. It has spent its downtime inside since the build ended, making its rust-free status unsurprising. The chrome looks exceptional, and the green produced by the “underglow” lights adds to its appeal. However, if green isn’t your thing, these can be programmed for different colors.
This Econoline’s interior is clean and tidy, and the seller supplies the equipment to address what many might consider its only potential shortcoming. The seats look excellent, with no wear or problems. The painted surfaces are spotless, and there are a range of aftermarket additions, including various gauges, a shifter, an updated steering column, and a wooden sports wheel. The only thing missing is a stereo, but a sparkling new unit in its box is included.
Okay, this is where things become interesting with this Ford. The company offered 1961 Econoline buyers two six-cylinder engines to power their new purchase. The entry-level 144ci version produced 85hp, with the optional 170 raising the stakes to 101hp. Both motors offered respectable performance, but I have never heard a classic owner utter the words, “I wish my vehicle had less power.” Enthusiasts typically crave more, and this Pickup delivers. Hiding below the surface is a 350ci Chevrolet V8. Its specifications are unclear, but it sends its power to the heavy-duty rear end via a three-speed automatic transmission. The rear suspension is upgraded to allow the ponies to effectively hit the road, while a set of wheelie bars helps to keep matters under control if the driver suddenly discovers they have too much grip on launch. The engine bay presentation doesn’t match the rest of the vehicle, which is disappointing. However, that could be the only negative because the Econoline is in excellent mechanical health. It runs and drives perfectly, with the seller stating the small-block produces plenty of power. Why am I not having trouble believing that claim?
There is no shame in following the crowd when creating a custom classic. It is typically the safe path that minimizes risks, and people generally appreciate and respect that approach. However, we sometimes need to break the mold. Being bold and daring is fraught with danger if things go wrong, but it can be incredibly rewarding if the planets align. Such is the case with this 1961 Econoline. It is almost guaranteed that the new owner won’t park beside an identical example at a show or a Cars & Coffee. Society teaches us that fitting in is important, but sometimes, standing out is equally crucial. That is the chance awaiting this classic’s new owner, but are you bold enough to accept the challenge?
I like it, it’s cool, even with a GM engine.
All that weight of the front axle, I guess you steer it by throttle, lol.
Probably needs wheelie bars on the front for emergency braking.
Ideal Car for the Summernats burnout comp.
Engine maintenance is sure to be a delight.
This van will be really fun when that SBC starts leaking that oil slick from the rear main seal, and it gets on those big meats, when you’re showing off at the local cars and coffee. Hang on St. Christopher…
Big C must not be a Chevy fan And I’ve never had a problem with any one of the 100’S of chevy small blocks I have owned through the years have a rear main seal problem. And yes I did say 100’s. For some reason when I was younger I couldn’t seem to like a car for more than 6 months. I have never registered a vehicle twice in my life. It’s a sickness I guess and really regret a lot of the cars I’ve owned in my past being gone today. Most people would give their eye teeth for any of the thousands of old iron I have sold in my life and the sad part is I always put money and time into them before I let them go. My brother and my best friend both have criticized me for making a car worth having and then getting rid of it always for a loss. Still don’t Know why. By the way, anyone want to buy a Dodge Magnum Waka Waka Just kidding…..for now. :-}) Unfourtunatly now I’m older I can’t afford the hot rod of my dreams, like this one. One Question. Why put something so ugly under that hood? First, if it’s going to not be the original motor It really should be an 89 FI 5.0 from a mustang or a Coyote. Certainly would look better when you lift that cover. At least put some dress up parts on that 350. The rest of this thing is perfect. Why not go all the way?
How much for the magnum :) coyote might be too wide. Common with newer engines
How hot does the engine get under the cover?
Through the door after you remove the seat.
Looks like fun to me. Workmanship looks good, not too wild but just right. Maybe a cooler of beer tied down in the bed to help keep the front end down.
A cooler of beer is so much more practical than a few concrete blocks for traction!
That’s what I will tell the police officer.
A cooler of beer? You got me thinking, a keg would be better.
It’s for taking to shows, not racing. The wheelie bars come across as a desperate attempt to draw attention, the ascetics would be better served by their removal.
Steve R
Agreed, I would also do without the under lights and would have opted for a Ford 289 or 302 option. But it’s not my car.
Along with those stupid lights underneath.
Looks like nice work and I like the engine swap in this. I think it would be fun. I don’t think there’s any danger of it tipping over forward but maybe a little weight in the bed would make for a better ride.
Oh, I’ve had a lot of small block Chevy engines, ran them lots of miles but have yet to have a rear main leak. 🙄
You’re one of the lucky ones, then.
Your fixation on SBC rear main seals always gives me a chuckle. I’ve personally had half a dozen of them and never had a problem with leakage. Now my F150 with the 302 was the worst I had to put a pan under it every night. Was glad to sell that truck.
As many 302W & 351W there are in the junk yards why do people do stupid s#$%t like this? By the time they get motor mounts setup, Transmission mounted, searching hours for U-Joints to buy 3-4 get right diameter/width/cap sizes, make up cooling system, shifter linkage, & all extra small crap.
Could have bolted V8 Windsor or Cleveland to original Transmission & cooling system.
Kept it all Ford been worth more easier to sell one day to wider market. Now have a Ford thats crossbreed with its most hated competitor. With limited market to sell to one day.
Chevy did make there version of these could bought a GM Van or Truck this same body. This goes for doing it to a GM or Dodge.
Only time it’s okay to Hemi or Buick Nail Head swap a T-Bucket or Model A when not using a Flat Head for old school look.
Looks great I’d like to have to haul my Harley. nice build
Ruined
Nothing says “I have something to hide” like acres of diamond plate!… What’s with the big giant box in the bed? I guess that hides the fuel tank? Why not just get a good looking fuel cell? While you’re at why not build a box back there for the battery? It looks stupid just sitting there behind the drivers seat… I mean, it’s not like that bed is good for anything else!… A plywood load deck? really? Couldn’t shell out for more diamond plate?!! Where’s the tailgate? Lets face it… Anything hard to find or expensive is missing from this truck! Must have had an old Suburban sitting behind the garage… “better than buying an appropriate drive train!” What a horror show!!… I do like the bumpers… They look nice…
Do I gather you don’t like it….?
I am dropping the kids off at soccer practice in a tail dragger….
Too much bling for me. Thanks. What has been done with the front axle, drum brakes and leaf springs?
It looks like exhibition without execution, but I like it.
Throws Shade to The “Little Red Wagon” Dodge Wheelie Champion of the 60’s
I like it.
These things are so rare that restoring one back to stock is sufficient. I have a ’65 Econoline pickup, 3-speed column-shift directing power from a ’78 Ford 250 I6. It moves along just fine.
These things are deathtraps from the factory. Stuffing a mill producing more than 150HP is dicing with the Reaper. To each his/her own, though.
The battery is supposed to go in a steel case under the driver’s seat. However, the I6 can be cranked all day with the adorable Group 35 battery that is standard. Not sure how well it’ll spin a SBC though, so maybe a cell larger than the case is required.
The fuel tanks can be hard to find, so mounting a generic cell behind the cab is a safe alternative. I haul stuff with mine, and was able to restore the tank.
Sheetmetal for the floors is NLA, although there are a few small patch panels here & there. I used 16ga to correct my floor issues. Diamond plate would be fine.
The bed steel is impossible. The only body panels available are the lower side/rockers. You either have to fabricate or find donors. I found a handful of vans in a nearby salvage yard, and was able to create patch panels for it & the body rust mine had. I was stubborn but mostly lucky. This one had to be heavily modded for the tubbed rear, with the springs moved inboard, so the open bed makes more sense.
Looks nice! GLWTS.
Also: The fuel tank could no longer be mounted with the frame W-pans moved together & reinforced for the higher horsepower/probable structural rear rust (these are unibody, they don’t have a discrete frame)…so that’s why it’s in the bed.
Why not use an aluminum beer keg for the fuel tank? Would fit right in.
All of the frame that you can see is recent fabrication. I’m very curious to see how they tied all of it into the sheetmetal pans &/o original W-pan rails as all of that was welded into a single piece.
As far as I can tell, the front end is still the I-beam setup from the F-100 that Ford plucked from the parts bin. The steering box on these is unique to the 1st generation Econoline so you’re tied to the solid axle with it. It might have disc brakes – there is a kit, but it ain’t cheap & requires some grinding of the knuckles to fit right.
All of the frame that you can see is recent fabrication. I’m very curious to see how they tied all of it into the sheetmetal pans &/or original W-pan rails as all of that was welded into a single piece.
As far as I can tell, the front end is still the I-beam setup from the F-100 that Ford plucked from the parts bin. The steering box on these is unique to the 1st generation Econoline so you’re tied to the solid axle with it. It might have disc brakes – there is a kit, but it ain’t cheap & requires some grinding of the knuckles to fit right.
The tailgates were optional, so more pickups were built than tailgates. The gates, when you can find one, go for a ton of money. Mine had its gate but it took ages to weld back all that time took away.
The worst leakers I have owned were Harleys, and any flathead, including the one I am about to remove and reseal after 150 miles of use! I’ve killed many small block chevies but non leaked, just wore out or blew up from abusive launches!
Got two of these sitting in my garage waiting for time to deal with them. Too many options for engine swaps. A 350 is not one of them imo.
Decades ago, after fire-saling a 66 Mustang I had sunk money into cuz a was desperate for cash, I told myself that one day I’d buy another (any hot rod) from somebody like you. I was gonna let somebody else pay retail (like I did) for all those aftermarket goodies. Haven’t yet done it, but it’s gonna be my primary goal in retirement.
Looking at picture #12on ebay listing shows the rear end pumpkin not centered on the frame.Somethings off because the shock mounts and wheelie bar brackets aren’t centered?
There are many differentials that are not centered.