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Bowtie Power? 1947 Ford Panel Van

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?

Comments

  1. John Eder

    No need to “Bring A Trailer”…

    Like 5
  2. Bob C.

    This is a good example of a hodgepodge.

    Like 7
  3. JohnfromSC

    Already gone! That trailor was likelyly worth $3-4K itself. Somebody snatched a deal as this one was in NC, not ND.

    Like 9
  4. Sorel

    Interesting that some sellers are accepting crypto now. Last time I tried to buy something with crypto, I bought the appropriate amount of bitcoin, went to meet up with the seller, and in the few hours it took for us to plan and arrange a meeting, the value of bitcoin had fallen so far my wallet was no longer worth the amount we agreed on. Interesting to see where the market is going now, but I’m never touching that stuff again.

    Like 6
    • Gordon A Duncan

      went up $1,000 today.

      Like 0
  5. Sam Shive

    That little boy bowtie would have to go.

    Like 11
  6. Bill Bell

    Hi…just so you know for future reference,Ford didn’t come out with the F1 series trucks till the 1948 models…(also known as ‘Bonus Builts’) Cheers,Bill.

    Like 2
    • Jim ODonnell Staff

      What would be the technical model description for this example? I couldn’t find a thing about it.

      Thx,

      JO

      Like 2
    • Bill Bell

      I believe that prior to the ‘F’ designation of 1948 they were simply referred to by their weight by Ford…..ie,1946 Ford half ton etc. The colloquial name given to the ’42-7 Trucks is usually “Jailbar”.

      Like 1
  7. chrlsful

    test run @ a sale? gone quick. Better things to do w/it pre-sale. V E R Y poor pic CL. Here I can’t tell if the over sized truck or smaller sedan from pic set up…
    May B better nxt time out?
    House mate (I was 22 y/o) hada van, too big for DD (caught in the wind, MPGs, parking, etc) but great addvert/use as trades vehicle. Every job’s got ur great big add right there on the side of every 1 U do.
    https://classiccars.com/listings/view/1386923/1950-ford-panel-van-for-sale-in-kansas-city-missouri-64113

    Like 1
  8. HC Member

    Those 305s are worthless even as a boat anchor. Rolling chassis only IMO. Glad someone else got it and would be suspicious of anyone advertising accepting bitcoin. Good luck with the trailer too

    Like 1
  9. Gordon A Duncan

    went up $1,000 today.

    Like 0
  10. Mountainwoodie

    “Sylvester……..you get that piece of crap and trailer out of the yard next to my mobile home, or I’m going home to Mama!”

    Like 1

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