If you’re in the market for a unique yet practical project vehicle, please read on. This 1963 Ford Falcon Deluxe Club Wagon was sent to us by Barn Finds reader Russel G. It can be found here on eBay in Allentown, Pennsylvania with a Buy-It-Now price of $5,795.
The Ford Econoline was introduced in 1961 and based on the Falcon. The cargo variants wore the Econoline name, while passenger versions adopted the Falcon name we see here. It’s mid-mounted engine behind the front axle and between the front seats was quite practical, offering a cabover feel for the driver and not invading on any rear cargo space. So practical and effective, in fact, the design would be later copied by Chevrolet and Dodge.
The seller of this van purchased it many years ago and has kept it parked indoors since they brought it home. This is claimed to be one of only 2,923 Falcon Deluxe Club Wagons built for 1963, which the seller describes as offering a number of upgrades over lower trims. It’s apparent in the pictures that the body isn’t perfect, the paint is faded, and the brightwork is pitted, which shouldn’t be a surprise as the seller tells us this is a project and has been sitting for many years.
If you like the blue outside, you’ll be happy to see it continues on the interior. The upholstery looks salvageable, but most of the rest of the interior is well worn. There are only 2 rows of seating, and the seller doesn’t know if there was ever a third row, but it looks to me like there’s some holes in the floor that could be for mounting that 3rd row. Perhaps all Falcon vans were so equipped.
This Falcon is powered by a 170 cubic-inch inline six which is backed by, as the seller describes, a “somewhat rare” automatic transmission. The engine is not running, and we’re not told when it last was. This van was last registered in 1989, so I’ll assume that’s the last time it was run regularly. The seller encourages bidders to ask questions. I spot an Econoline pickup and an Econoline cargo van in the driveway alongside this Falcon, so those burning questions should be able to be answered.
If you’re mechanically inclined, need space for the whole family, and looking for your next project, this could be just the vehicle for you.
Cool.
I remember the vans, but for the life of me would not have recalled the funky little wedge windows behind the doors. Very unique.
The seller could have posted a few more pictures. There are none at all of the right side, bummer that. Also none directly aimed at the front, or the rear with doors closed. Fun project, but it will require a lot of bodywork/rust repair.
1 of 3 parked in the driveway. Neighbors must love him!
I had a ’61 Econoline back in ’97 that I bought for $300! We used to light cigarettes off of the exhaust manifold while ‘cruising’ down the highway at 50 mph and tailgate at the local minor league hockey games with a cooler and a couch in the back. I sold it a few months later for $500. This one is much nicer than mine ever was, even when new. I have always had a soft spot for these and wish the seller GLWTA!
I had a Ford Econoline i used to have to take the spark plugs out in the winter and warm them in the oven to start the car also I had shag carpet interior
I’d bet the underside is toast. Had one that was super clean underneath and lo and behold it had rot in the unibody under close examination. zero to 60 measured with an hourglass. Good luck, look it over good. Stay safe.
Cheers
GPC
I have owned both, and some other readers may want to chime in here, but isn’t the Dodge A100 a better vehicle, rarer and better investment? Zillions of these Econolines out there.
Listing typo, was meant to be $579?
seriously….
Yea, I deferred commenting on the price, but figured someone would take up the slack. Good one.
Well Dad had one for his business. my brothers sat in the back, mom in the passenger and guess where lucky me got to sit? Yup…on the HOT engine cover. Many a red a**!
I have one without the windows I’m working on to get running and sell!! Really like the next generation ford van better!! Would even consider a trade for a 68-74 model!!!
I’ll take that off ur hands.
I like these best (altho hafa ’69 Che**y w/an i6 in early 70s). The motor’s BEHIND the axel. Only reason for the dodge is the split windshield.
This one can B had w/8 dors, no windows & I’d put in the 300/4.9. B a happy man then.
How bout the p/u?
http://www.fordeconolinepickup.com/?utm_source=FordEconolinePickup.com&utm_campaign=7980599c27-Ad%20Updates%20for%20May%208th%202020&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_e3650b724d-7980599c27-229559613
Are you telling me Chrisfu that you want to take mine off my hands???