You’re not seeing things: bidding is already over $25,000 for this 1970 Ford Econoline camper, otherwise known as a Lazy Daze 18′ motorhome. There’s good reason for that number, as the camper has just 31,000 original miles, likely making it one of the lower mileage examples of this particular motorhome model still in existence. Based on the description, it sounds as if it was found after languishing for several years, and carefully restored only where needed with original details being preserved. It looks like an absolute blast to own, and it’s listed here on eBay in Lomita, California.
Thanks to Barn Finds reader Sally for the find. The camper was supposedly purchased by a family in Wisconsin who used the Ford to travel in style and comfort to local NASCAR events. This is actually how I always envision using a camper like this, whether to see oval or road course racing, but to always have a place to sleep so I didn’t have to leave during a weekend packed with must-see events. If you’ve ever been to an extended event like the 12 Hours at Sebring, the last thing you want to do is pack it in at 7:00 p.m. and head home. The interior of the Lazy Daze is immaculate, and includes the original floors, silk curtains, upholstery and paneling, all in superb condition. All of the original appliances work, too.
After the motorhome was discovered, it was sent to southern California for rejuvenation. The seller notes the efforts were careful not to disrupt the motorhome’s many original details, and work focused on simply making it reliable to the point of traveling anywhere your heart took you. Mechanical work included a new carburetor, alternator, water pump, fuel pump, cap and rotors, wires and plugs. The SelectShift Cruise-O-Matic transmission is said to shift with ease, and the 302 V8 does not leak a drop of anything. Note all of the wonderful period details, like the optional CB radio still affixed to the dash.
The Econoline features two sleeping areas, comprised of a queen bed and a dinette table that folds and stows to create an additional sleeping spot. The seller notes the propane furnace keeps the main cabin quite warm when the air turns chilly, while the Dometic two-way fridge still gets very cold. The stove and oven are said to work wonderfully, while a new deep cycle house battery and two new portable propane tanks keep all vital systems working as intended. My favorite detail? The included vintage dual bumper mounted bike rack – that has to be rare as hell. Overall, with a presentation like this, there’s little doubt as to why this camper is getting so much love. What would you be willing to pay?
I agree Jeff, a nice spot to hang your hat while at the track. Love the vintage Playboy magazines in the rack.
And how about that vintage Bicentennial era litter bag and Spirit of ’76 American flag on the back window ? This van is loaded with period correct doo dads that I’m sure are hard to come by these days. I’d definitely check it out if it was parked at a show !
Is that a vintage latch hook rug on the floor, too? I wonder if they have the woven elastic band pot holders in the kitchen.
And the compass attached to the dash … does anyone still know how to read a compass?
What’s a compass ? Ha Ha Ha J K
You use a compass to draw circles.
Thanks for the love Barn Finds! I feel honored to have found and saved this incredible piece of history. We have camped in her a few times now and it’s such a joy, and the crowds she attracts!! Hoping the new owners will love on her and give her a pampered life.
What’s a compass ? Ha Ha Ha J K
This is so cool, exactly what my dog and I need to see the sights up here in the great Northwest! At 6’3″, I wonder if I would fit in the bed? I guess if it’s a true queen-size I would. Sadly, it is out of my budget range but best of luck with the sale, Joe!!
This is a lovely, well-preserved example. However, take the seller’s “jump in and drive anywhere” claim with a grain of salt. My father had a very similar 1971 motorhome on an Econoline chassis. The 302 is so overmatched, loaded 18-wheelers passed us on long hills. On top of that, the single-wheel rear axle made it susceptible to crosswinds and buffeting from those same 18-wheelers. It was a constant struggle to keep it up to cruising speed and in the proper lane. It didn’t last long.
Appreciate your opinion but your dad didn’t have a Lazy Daze apparently. I’ve put over a thousand miles on her and not experienced anything like you say. In fact she cruises up the big hill at Camarillo and the grape vine with zero issues. 55+
Also, it has factory deep dish rear steel wheels so wider wheels and tires on the back you don’t get pushed around like you’d think
Heck, I get blown around in my 2000 F150 with 3/4 ton suspension modifications , bigger tires, and the lightest bathroom equipped camper that Adventurer used to make till 2019 , the 80GS . When a Semi passes you going 70 MPH 2 feet away from you fish tailing all over it’s lane any rig would move. Semi drivers these days seem to have no regard like many did in the old days , when they would give you a wider berth , flash the old lights when they passed you and flashed them again when you gave them the courtesy of flashing your lights to let them know “hey, move back on over “…. as with all vehicles, there are folks behind the wheel of many who have no business driving a golf cart, no less a semi….. Neat rig… brings back a lot of memories of the rig my Dad had.
My Dad had a Shasta motorhome of similar vintage on the Econoline platform. The 302 did just fine and it tracked without issue on singles. Now the unassisted four-wheel drum brakes on the other hand….
The only thing missing is a Honda CT70 hanging off the front bumper.
Looks like a great RV, I only am curious about one thing. Does it have AC, there is no mention of it & if it does have it does it work as it should to cool this RV down?
No roof air. Could be installed but there is a fan. We just spent the weekend in it last weekend it was upper 80s and comfortable with the fan on. We have a period correct vintage 12v swamp cooler we would use if hotter. You could add a roof air but it’s made it this many years without one. Lazy Daze are famous for build quality and well insulated
Now this thing is damn cool. Many memories as a kid with our family’s 76 coachmen/dodge class c. Ours was a 440 with duals, which do make them handle better in my estimation. However this unit is shorter and single rear wheels were common on the smaller units like this. The buyer will be stunned how many conversations will be started as they pull into any given campground. Hope the new buyer will appreciate it and treat it properly.
What is not obvious in the photos is that the rear wheels are factory deep dish, so wider back tires!
This little RV is very cool. To the next guy who buys this, Leave It Alone and enjoy it at Vintage RV gatherings. The restoration looks amazing and with all of the old cool stuff included you are saving yourself an amazing amount of time searching these items out.
I have a 2004 Chinook and where I store it there are several of these older very well preserved trailers and motorhomes. Yes the newer ones have AC and microwaves but you just can’t replicate the beauty of this older type of RV. I wish I had the room for this Lazy Daze Im less than 20 miles away and would be all over this. Im sure you are going to miss this when its gone.
Lazy Daze are excellent and look great. The curved edges always made them look way ahead of their time.
I’ve been lucky enough to own a couple of Lazy Daze–an ’89 rear bath I sold two weeks ago, and a 2001 mid bath I’m taking this afternoon for a long weekend. If many RVs have, say, MG build quality, Lazy Daze are closer to a Bristol. The interior design is so conservative that you don’t have to worry about it going out of fashion, because it’s 15 years out-of-date when it’s made! But that also means that the family-owned factory has a tremendous amount of experience with a given configuration or piece of equipment. This example looks to be a glorious survivor and is very rare. Good luck to the seller!
I like that blue 8 track player on the table. My Dad who is 90 still has his only yellow. Push down on the handle and you change the track. Really a very nice old RV and in very nice preserved condition.
Three things on this: I love how the seller is interacting with folks in the comments! I almost didn’t see the vehicle in the first picture because of the beautiful lady next to it. That’s a great vintage South Dakota road map on the engine cover!
Good catch on the map and my lovely assistant and wife!
Congrats Joe. Ended:Apr 07, 2021 , 11:33PM
Winning bid:
US $31,100.00
[ 63 bids ]
Thanks! Going to a great home
Beautifully maintained classic – and it shines. I had a new 1984, 24 foot model, on a Chevy chassis – a bit underpowered but covered most of the continental U.S. Current one is a new-bought 2006, same 24 foot model, on a Ford E-450 chassis. Plenty of power, even on steep mountain grades. Lazy Daze are a foot lower than other Class C’s, so much more stable. I don’t know if they still do it now, but when the brothers were alive, they took you on a demo-drive when the unit was delivered. And, they enjoyed scaring the daylights out of you, when they would instantly jerk the wheel back and forth on the boulevard in front. You would swear the coach would roll over, but it was rock solid on the pavement. It was to show how amazingly stable it is – even though it is a big box on wheels. I don’t know if they still do that, but it instantly gave you confidence in its stability. I don’t know if any other motorhome that would, or could do that trick.