Perhaps it’s the result of an overactive imagination, but I think that the flat-front Econoline of the 1960s looks futuristic in a Jetsons kind of way. If you squint really hard and stand about 38 feet away from your screen, it resembles the small-scale Ford Nucleon concept of the 1950s, a would-be nuclear-fission-powered truck-like gadget that was only plausible in the jet age. The Econoline is, fortunately for its practicality at this point in humanity’s timeline, powered by gasoline. And you can buy it in 1:1 scale, such as this customized ’65 Econoline that was sent to us by Ted, our man in the Midwest. Listed on Facebook Marketplace in Indianapolis, this sharp hauler will set you back a cool $35,000.
At first, that figure seemed like a lot, but it’s tough to gauge a modified car these days, especially if it’s been done tastefully. This one has all the markings of a truck done right, especially under the hood. The 1965 Econolines were only available with two six-cylinder engines, a 170 and the totally different and brand-new-for-1965 240 “Big Six.” Plainly, this is neither of the two, because someone stuffed a 302 under the doghouse. It’s been “completely rebuilt” and has an Edelbrock carburetor with aluminum manifold. The seller doesn’t give us any specifics about the engine build (there are a lot of parts out there for a small-block Ford), but rest assured that it will power this light little truck down the road with aplomb. The C4 automatic was an option on the Econoline, and this one has it. A interesting modification is the “cooling cutout” in the bed to vent the engine compartment; it’s not a factory feature, but it blends in well enough that I had to check.
The interior has been mildly customized with leather seats, door panels, and doghouse. I don’t think the waffle pattern is for me, but it’s not obnoxious, and I’d say the customizations are tasteful, “8-Ball” necker knob notwithstanding.
The undercarriage is clean, and from this vantage point we can take a look at the long-tube headers and “mufflers” connected to an exhaust system that exits in front of the rear wheels. Bring your earmuffs with you when you drive.
The seller says that this Econoline is a “Spring Special,” which was a paint and trim upgrade to move a few Econolines during the, um…slow spring selling season? Originally Poppy Red, the evidence of its being a special edition has been erased by its orange paint job, but with just the right amount of rake, polished Torq-Thrust wheels, and that flashy paint, this truck is ready to turn some heads as we get into the spring driving season. Is it worth $35,000? What do you think?
As a former owner of both an Econoline and a Vanagon, I think maybe VW was influenced by this cabin (witness that marvelous panoramic windscreen) in its design of the Vanagon (also a huge “picture window” experience). Maybe it’s the coffee….At any rate, hope someone gets to enjoy this great looking truck soon!
Needs ladder bars, very nice, but probably scary to drive, very cool but not a Little Red Wagon but that was a dodge.
Great write up, Aaron! Thanks for the accolades! The Econolines we’re built in my home town, many years ago! I enjoy sending on the great, the odd, the WTF, the deals, and the project cars that are for sale! I relish the readers’ feedback, as well!
Thank you and you’re welcome, Ted. Keep ’em coming!
Great write up, Aaron. The “cooling cut out” in the bed looks great, and
not out of place.
Nice truck and I really like the fact that they left the bumpers on. I know some people like the clean, bumper-less look, but I just see a minor tap causing major damage. A manual transmission would make this even better, but I feel that way about every vehicle.
I can only imagine the shift linkage… from the shifter itself to the trans!
Nicely done! It looks like almost everything was well thought out. GLWTS!
Not familiar with Econolines, but for the big Ford line Spring Sport Specials included the otherwise optional body side moldings and fancier wheel covers.
I have one of these and would be delighted if someone offered me $20K for it!
The bumpers are probably from a ’68 Camaro; they are not Econoline units. They actually look better than the factory bars. I too prefer them over the ‘clean’ look (I bought mine that way, found factory bumpers in a salvage yard).
Not sure what purpose the bed ducting performs; if the 302 was getting hot, especially at highway speeds, a belly duct pan would solve that (it was one of the first things discarded, as it had to be removed to do any maintenance to the engine). There was a guy fabricating them on eBay for $500 a pop.
The bed looks solid but for the ask; I’d like to see a lot more photos of the underside from front to rear. These tend to rust, even out west; mine (east coast) was loaded with bondo.
Looks like a solid unit from what was posted in the ad, GLWTS!
Hi Bob, curious how these ride, being the cab over the wheels, like a miniature Freightliner! LOL!
I didn’t notice the engine vent, that’s how well it blends in.
I don’t mind the diamond tuft look of the seats, and the color goes well with the exterior.
Overall, very nicely done.
Does the belly pan “solve” the problem or just help? The bed vent reminds me of an fc Jeep. A similar style vehicle. If I ever get around to working on mine I will definitely use a fuel injected engine. Seem to read a lot about vapor lock on these.
Pictures of the bed? Must have been removed by the time I got to see this gem. Great example of a great utility vehicle, nice V8 conversion. Now it’s worth what’s being asked.
John R: The ride is somewhat harsh. It is a truck after all- a work vehicle, not a car. After a couple hours, your hemorrhoids may start to announce themselves. But for sub-100-miile jaunts, it’s not bad, and fine in the right lane of the interstate. ‘Course, it helps that mine is electric tangerine, similar to this one.
John QH: The pan will solve overheating issues. I’m running a 200-I6 out of a ’78 Fairmont. For some reason, mine never overheats, and I don’t have a pan. Ain’t complaining, mind you.
If the bed vent solves it: great job.
Also it looks like they widened the doghouse side panels to accommodate the V8 valve covers. The battery has been moved to the bed: that’s what’s in that steel box, and originally lived under the driver’s seat adjacent to the doghouse. Yes, you have to remove the seat to get to the battery! I put a 50A breaker in the engine compartment.