This 1976 Ford Econoline looks like a nice point of entry for someone who wants a real “van” but doesn’t want to go headlong into “van life” culture. That is to say you like the idea of a hobby vehicle you can drive anywhere, but you’re not quite ready for shag carpeting, disco balls, and a mural on the side with a busty mermaid wearing an eyepatch. This Econoline wears subdued colors and a custom but not crazy interior. The seller claims it runs well and that it has under 60,000 miles. Find it here on eBay where bidding has reached $26,000(!) with no reserve.
That’s impressive bidding, to be honest. Even though this is in incredibly clean and has low miles, I’m still a little surprised to see it already edging near $30,000. Then again, it has that sweet spare tire cover mural of a very handsome husky, so perhaps there’s someone in the mix who has a dog with a similar headshot. The color isn’t particularly striking – it’s sort of a muted sunflower shade – but it appears to be in excellent condition with rear window louvers, a step ladder, and excellent chrome bumpers.
When you buy a van like this, I feel like the fringe benefit (in addition to being able to live in it) is gaining access to a brotherhood (or sisterhood) of sorts. Van culture is a very real thing, and there are still van councils around the United States that have get-togethers, camping trips, cruises, and more. The interior of this Econoline is in very good condition, with attractive floor coverings and seat cushions, along with matching window shades and wood paneling. I’m assuming that’s a mini-fridge under the sink, so this is a nicely-equipped example ready for life on the road.
There may be some shag carpeting up front, but it’s not like its stuck to the walls as we’ve seen in other examples. I love the excess you can find in one of these vans, but I’m not sure I’d want to own one. This Econoline is likely rubbing a lot of bidders the right way, with just enough custom touches to feel like you bought a true made-in-period van without having to hide it from your neighbors. The seller mentions the Econoline comes with new tires as well as a stove, bed, and plenty of storage. Would you spend $30K on a custom Econoline?
Absolutely not. Used car prices have moved to the stratosphere. No way.
So 70’s, I can practically hear the music I grew up with! Wish the price was not so high, I love this.
There’s only one true bidder. He bid 5k…the other bidder is a 0 feedback that jumped it to 26k!!
He was making $50.00 bids than jumped up 21 Thousand in one bid, B/S
The Hood Ornament Is Nothing To Thumb Your Nose At.
Ooooh…Baby is all you can say. A neat time capsule. Once jillions roamed the landscape. Most have now succumbed to the auto tar pits. I hated these when I worked in body and fender. The stripes, this coach builder, that accessory. A nice survivor here.
SOLD (?) for $26K.