Chhh.. not another 1969 Checker Limo Pickup?! Jeez, these things are everywhere! Wait, what? A Checker Limo Pickup? That’s genius! I wonder if this thing would fit in a 30-foot storage unit.. hmm.. This unique ride is in far northwestern New Mexico – Farmington, to be exact. It’s on Craigslist (if the link goes away click here) with an asking price of $2,800. Make sure you check on shipping first if you don’t live in Farmington, NM; it won’t be cheap to get this one delivered. This is one crazy, cool, monstrous creation. Thanks to Rick L for submitting this unique find!
I don’t know what the story is behind a limo having a pickup box, maybe a spot to keep the ice? Ha, as if people drink adult beverages when they’re in a limo, what am I thinking? The more I think about it, though, the more I like this combination. We all know what a Checker looks like, and we all know what a limo looks like. Most of us have even seen Checker limos before.
But, this view is unique, and it’s very cool, in my opinion. Although, it doesn’t look like the tailgate opens. Is it still a tailgate if it doesn’t open? Maybe there was a hot tub back there at some point? I would lose those wavy, hot-glued-on chrome chunks on the bottom of the doors and fenders. I’m guessing that those were put on, like with house trim around doors and windows, to cover up non-precision joints; sort of a quick way to mask the imperfections of the bottom portion of this custom creation. This is, after all, a “Limited Edition” – perhaps the understatement of the decade. It does look surprisingly rust-free but there’s no mention of condition other than it’s “mostly complete” and “has not run in years.” Both of those things sound like me.
Here’s where Jeeves will be sitting. You’ll probably want to hold off on making him wear white gloves until you do a $50,000 restoration on this rig first. Being in New Mexico, I can only imagine the number of rodents that have made this limo pickup their home away from home, or just their primary home if they’re on a limited income. The amount of work to be done on this one is way too overwhelming for me to seriously think about, but there has to be a Barn Finds reader out there who has done a restoration on a far more needy vehicle than this? Let’s hear about it!
The jumbled interior actually doesn’t look half bad! Well, yes, yes it does look half bad, but then again, it looks half good. (we must be going into a weekend for me to be this positive!) A person could almost turn this into year’round living quarters, and it would help if they weren’t 6′-5″ tall. I’m looking at you, Scotty G. It would be fun to get the mechanicals and the body in top condition and then drive it to your favorite upholstery shop just to see the look on the faces of the crew working there. The owner would be wringing his/her hands and calling the bank to inform them that they’ll be paying off their boat real soon. Have any of you seen such an odd combination as a Checker limo pickup before? If so, what was it?
When I see a dash torn up with wires hanging out like that I walk away. Too many electrical problems. Been there. Bruce.
I’ve always wanted a Ranchecko.
This started out as a typical Checker 8-door “Airporter” wagon. Cutting off the roof over the rear section [the luggage area], requires a new upper rear panel to support the back end of the roof. [Not done yet.]
The 2 center doors on each side have been made inoperative, and I would guess there is a metal cover over those old doors, in an attempt to make it look like a stretch limo. This would originally have had the same seats as on the regular checker station wagon, plus 2 more front seat assemblies in the stretched section. The back [4th row] seat would still fold down.
Because the car has been badly butchered, it doesn’t make sense to try to bring it back to the original “airporter” condition. But if you were to sink another $50,000 or more into making it the stretch limo the former owner tried to do, you’ll probably have a $10,000 car when finished.
That reminds me of what I always tell people desiring to get into the antique car business: If you want to end up with $1 million after only a couple of years in the antique car business, simply start with $2 million!
The Aerobus was available in 8-door and 6-door configurations, in wagon [the normal] and sedan.
Yes, I caught the humor of “Limited Edition”, also. What could be more exclusive, “Signature Edition”? Still, it would be a great swap meet vehicle Inside and outside hauling space. Me, I’d put a Cummins and 5 speed and a big hitch on it. Maybe truck axles?
I’m afraid this attempt at a modification has reduced this once loyal utilitarian transporter into a mere parts donor.
What a great a great way to combine everything I need – a classic car, a pickup truck and a minivan (the center part as this is far from “mini”). And being as these things were built like trucks, it can probably tow all that I would ever need.
I’d swap in a turbo diesal and install captain chairs and a DVD player for little passengers. Maybe even weld up the rear doors and fit sliding doors in the center section… while I’m dreaming.
Ranchecko has been by far the h st commentary 👍🙃
Since it has already been butchered. Raise the roof and make it a camper! (Westcheckia???) Don’t stop there. Install the 500 CI Caddy and you can tow your 2CV behind!
Ok, I am going to bed. AS IT IS GETTING WEIRD OUT!
https://dubuque.craigslist.org/cto/6184229543.html . Not mine.
maybe it was going to be a pool in the back. No tailgate needed then.