The E-Series was Ford’s van version of the popular F-Series pickup trucks. And it was in production across four generations from 1961 to 2014. Initially a Falcon-based COE (cab over engine), the second generation (1968 to 1974) pushed the engine placement forward so the vans gained a hood, though shorter than the pickups. The seller’s 1972 Econoline is a cargo van with a full complement of windows. It hasn’t run in 10 years and will need both mechanical and cosmetic attention, even as a driver. Soon to be in Cheyenne, Wyoming, this old school project is available here on craigslist for $1,500. Another cool tip from Mike F.!
Like Ford’s long-standing F-150 pickups, the E-Series (Econoline and Club Wagon) saw sales of more than eight million copies over the decades. So, they were literally everywhere during the back third of the 20th Century. The later Econolines had more interior capacity thanks to a longer wheelbase and the more forward positioning of their inline-6 or V8 engines. The downside for drivers was that they lost most of the large “coffee table” between the front seats to pile a lot of junk on top of (that could go flying on heavy braking).
The seller’s van could have either a 240 or 300 cubic inch inline-six, which was shared with the pickups and was durable as hell. Likely it’s with a 3-speed manual transmission, as this van was all about the work, not creature comforts. Though the van was parked a decade ago, the engine turns over, thanks to a new starter. And the valves were redone earlier to accommodate the use of unleaded fuel. The mileage is said to be 130,000, not a lot for these old workhorses.
Because the seller says he/she had many a good time using this van, we assume the ownership has been long-term. There is plenty of surface rust and a few dents and dings, and the seats and dashboard will need an extreme makeover, even as a daily driver. While the listing is in Colorado, the van is presumably en route to Wyoming, after which delivery is said to be negotiable. The cost of acquisition is low enough that you can use most of your bank account to fix the van up your way.
I have heard Ford’s with that valve cover design being called an industrial 6. Not sure if that is true or not?
I remember the day when the roads were practically covered with these vans, you’d see several every day. I had a ’72 Econoline Club Wagon complete with seats. It had a 302 with an automatic. I once did an oil change and forgot to add new oil. I started her up and wondered why it was ticking, then it dawned on me. Anyway it was none the worse for wear. I might add, these were stupid easy to work on because what you couldn’t get to under the hood, was accessible under the doghouse inside.
Too many windows for any of the hippie vans we saw around here..used to see these with several rows of seats being used by the casinos as people movers.
And, for that matter, as MX bike haulers for those of us without a really good bike sponsor! They doubled as impromptu sleeping quarters at the track too.
Yep, great MX haulers, I’m raising a ProMaster bought to haul dirt bikes. She’s a 2023 with 2,600 miles. Maybe it will grace the pages of Barn Finds after I check out in 20 years
80s memories right there! My buddy had one identical minus the windows and we had some crazy times. Those were cool to drive. His was 3 speed column. Someone will give that the new life it deserves
Seeing this brings back a lot of memories. My folks had a close-knit bunch of friends they all referred to themselves as the “Lost Weekend Gang.” I won’t try to elaborate on that at this time, except to say that one of the couples had a van very much like this one. It was a fully equipped Club Wagon with 302, automatic, and even A-C. But they justified owning such a behemoth for a family car.
You see Harold and Anne were a typical midwestern German-descent Catholic family. Following so many German based Catholic families, they decided to take that commandment of multiplying and replenishing the earth literally and thus, they had 12 children. Ergo the Club Wagon.
That old white van would pull up in front of the church, the doors all flew open and the occupants would file out, in an orderly manner for Mass. I swear that there were so many kids that Mass was almost over by the time they all got inside.
This feature made me think of that. Of course there are numerous other stories that I could share but this is the one for today…
Maybe next time I tell you about how the Lost Weekend got its name.
You could reveal the adventures of the Lost Weekend Gang, 1 chapter at a time geo 📖 📕 👍
Maybe not as much a hippie van as an Ironside tribute van. As a child of the 60s, I see most 70s vehicles as either cars/trucks of my personal history or my entertainment history. To me, these never looked great when customized, just too utilitarian. But a huge presence on the streets for years. Thanks, Russ and Mike F. !
Well, far out,man, I was looking for an affordable RV project and it’s in my neighborhood, kind of, let me just get something out of my Jeep, VVVRRROOOMMM, putt, pow,,,,,,actually, for what this is, it’s not bad, I mean, most of these became tool sheds out back. Not sure about the “valve seats”, Geo knows you could almost run these on kerosene, I just don’t know who would want something like this today. Old hippies are pricing new recliners, ( cough),,,