Looking a bit unusual with its raised center point front bumper is this 1947 Ford panel van. The desert storm-style primer paint job lends a bit of disguise too. But there’s more! This Ford van comes with a 16′ “Big Tex” open trailer too. Interested? This mash-up is located in Navassa, North Carolina and is available here on craigslist for $7,000 – and cryptocurrency is OK. Thanks to Chuck F. for this find!

Looking as if this van is based on a Ford F1, one-ton truck, there are no comprehensive images of either side and no description of either the overall exterior or underside condition. The flat, mottled paint job look to have been sprayed over everything, chrome grille teeth and front bumper included. Out back, it appears as if some custom work was employed in the removal of the bumper and an obscuring of its mounts. There is visible surface rust but it doesn’t appear to be excessive, not yet anyway. Glass seems to be more of a problem, note the duct tape around the edge of the driver’s side windshield and the missing pane in the rear passenger side door. I’ve seen those wheels before…Ford Ranger maybe?

Under the hood is a 305 CI Chevrolet small-block V8 engine of unknown provenance. It’s a surprising choice as it’s not one of Chevrolet’s bigger hits, at least when compared to the longer term, and more ubiquitous 350. Still, it’s not a bad choice, and perhaps one that was just available. Things get stranger with the transmission selection, a Turbo-Hydramatic 400, three-speed automatic. It’s a fantastic transmission but big, heavy, and one not usually associated with power-lacking small block engines. Again, a matter of availability? Perhaps so. Anyway, the engine turns over but does not run and has been sitting, inoperative, for a dozen years. The seller mentions that there are some Mustang suspension components present but does not elaborate as to which components or how extensive they are.

While there is no image of the driver’s compartment included, there is one of the cargo area and it has some fine-looking wood decking that has been installed. Beyond that, little is revealed so it’s probably a work in progress. There is a rather ominous mention of, “Wiring is in a box“. Uh-oh, what does that mean exactly?

There’s barely an image of the trailer, all we know is that it’s sixteen feet in length, has a wood deck, and serves as this Ford van’s current perch. At least it will be easy to haul all of this away, just hook it up to a suitable tow vehicle and you’ll be good to go. So it’s a package deal but the brevity of the listing garners more questions than it answers. What do you think, worth further investigation?