The third generation of Ford’s E-Series vans were quite the heavy haulers, but the lack of factory 4-wheel-drive limited where you could take one. Thankfully, Quigley took care of that problem by offering 4×4 conversions. These vans are far and few between, so when this one popped up here on Barn Finds Classifieds and here on craigslist in Wilmington, North Carolina with an $11,990 asking we had to feature it. It’s said to be in running and driving condition, but it needs a little work to be in top condition.
Quigley 4×4 is still going and offer 4×4 conversions for a variety of modern vans, which isn’t surprising given the name they built for themselves with their early conversions. The heavy-duty drivetrain is bulletproof and will take you just about anywhere you could ever want to go. This van’s drivetrain is said to be in good working order. The overdrive transmission shifts as it should, the front manual locking hubs engage as they should, and the engine fires right up.
Speaking of the engine, the seller provides a video of cold start-up and it appears to run well. The seller doesn’t state which engine this is specifically, just that it’s a V8. I can’t say for sure, but it looks to be the 351. I will let our Ford experts weigh in on that thought in the comments. Either way, this van should have plenty of grunt to get you down the road. The engine bay needs to be tidied up but would be fairly easy to have to look good again.
The interior is quite basic, as you’d expect from a work van of this era. The seller added insulation to the walls, which should keep it warmer when you are putting the 4-wheel-drive to work this winter. There appears to be some surface rust on the floor, but it’s said to be solid throughout. We would treat the rust right way to ensure it stays that way. The seats, dash, and center console appear to be in good condition.
Throw snow tracks on this thing and you’d have the ultimate winter warrior! Even just with a good set of snow tires and it would be the perfect winter driver. The seller notes that it needs some TLC, but it has new tires already, was recently serviced, and is ready to drive. So, what would you do with this Quigley Van? Would you put it to work or would you convert it into the ultimate overlander?
https://youtu.be/OIOMouwnEkQ
How long was it neglected and in storage?
Nice Rig!!!!
As it takes a good $10-13K to get the conversion in the first place the asking price is a steal if the underlying van is decent.
Shame it’s just the 150 and has manual hubs.
YouTube has a decent Quigley factory tour.
Sold one of these new in 89 when I was running a “Light truck Dept” at a Ford Truck dealer in Philadelphia. Customer ordered a new E250, sent it for $x$ conversion. He delivered the Phila. Inquirer early every morning. Operated as a 3 man operation, Driver, Man folding papers and 3rd man sitting on seat at open side door throwing papers a driveways. Understand it was well over a 3000+ paper route and they operated rain or shine as well as any winter storms that showed up. I moved to Florina shortly after so never talked to buyer after he got the van.
Hey Joshua, I came across an article on a 1962 GMC 3/4ton which you wrote back in 2016, I have actually come into ownership of that vehicle, and was wondering if you would be able to help me come into contact with the owner from Kentucky, as I am trying to find the history of this truck, and where it has been. I was also wondering if you would want to do a feature on this truck, as it only seems fitting to me that it gets shown through one of your posts, as your post is the only one I could find on it. If you could please email me at btrideout2003@gmail.com, thank you.
I like it just the way it is, lockout hubs and all. Just wish I had a reason to pursue purchasing it. Delivery van for the cabinetry business?