Our Barn Finds readers are a vigilante group who are always on the look-out for unusual or interesting cars for us to feature, and Barn Finder Pat L has come through for us with this one, so thank you, Pat. This 1967 Futura Wagon has links to the Disney Corporation, and is a nice car looking for someone to complete the restoration work, and then enjoy the car. You will find this Ford listed for sale here on Craigslist. It is located in San Diego, California, and is offered for sale with a clean title. The owner has set the price for this Ford at $12,500.
The car was originally owned by a member of the Miller/Disney family, and a quick look at the original owner’s manual should be able to determine which member. While I can’t confirm this without sighting that documentation, the most likely member would be Ron Miller, who is the late Walt Disney’s son-in-law. He was both the President and CEO of The Walt Disney Company. Leaving that aside, the car is in quite good condition. It looks to be rust-free, and it recently had a repaint. The rear “Magic Gate” has also been rebuilt, and works perfectly.
What makes this car truly stand out from the crowd are some of the optional extras that have been fitted. The one that has really caught my eye is the dealer-fitted rear bug screen that you can see in this shot. I’ve heard of these, but this is the first one that I’ve ever actually seen,
The interior is basically complete, but you could probably call it a work in progress. The owner has done so much on this car, and the interior was the next thing on the list. The headliner has been removed because it was badly torn. The owner does have the original roof bows for a new headliner. The remainder of the interior is serviceable, but I think that it probably deserves a full restoration.
The interior refurbishment has been delayed because the owner has been focussing on both the body and the mechanical components of the car. The original 289ci V8 was removed and has undergone a complete rebuild. It has traveled about 5,000 miles since this was completed. The list of other work performed is equally as impressive. This includes the transmission being rebuilt, a new exhaust, new fuel lines, new fuel pump, original carburetor rebuilt, a new radiator, and a host of new suspension and brake components have also been fitted. The owner has a significant collection of documentation that also goes with the car. This includes Mr. Miller’s original fuel log and a host of dealer paperwork. The car even has the 1977 Disneyland employee sticker on the front bumper.
Leaving aside any connections with the Miller/Disney family, this 1967 Futura Wagon is a nice car that has had considerable time, effort, and money spent on it in recent times. The scope of the mechanical work performed should ensure that the car is reliable well into the future. The paint-work isn’t perfect, but the car still presents very well. Restoring the interior won’t be a big job, and then the new owner will have a nice car that they can really enjoy, regardless of who the original owner was.
Neat-o….
Pretty cool wagon.
Nice wagon, I’m not sure if it’s worth $12,500. I do know one thing, I wouldn’t pay extra regardless of who any previous owner was.
Steve R
Very Nice. Maybe half the price, But some one will give at least 10k and that leaves me out.
They must be big bugs, looking at the meshing. This is a nice little wagon, especially with the 289 under the hood.
It’s actually an intermediate, same body as the Fairlane wagon. (I had the Fairlane version ages ago with the 289. Perfect engine for it.)
That big thing poking out of the center of the steering wheel was Ford’s initial answer to the 1967 requirement for a collapsible column.
I think the “bug” screen is meant to keep fresh air for your dog and keep them in the car. BTW…I’m a Ford guy but I really dislike the 1967 steering wheels which were used almost across the entire model line that year.
A guy I knew took the center of his steering wheel and hollowed it out.
That’s where he kept the contraband.
Wish this was a 2DR………and previous owner is not relevant in pricing.
It would be cool to drive a Futura in the actual future, like now!
I had never heard of an Intermediate. It is cool and would make a pretty cool lite duty dd.
I’ve always been a sucker for wagons, and this is a neat little wagon, but the seller hasn’t done it any favors. The cheap Maaco paint job, and crappy rattle can black paint work under hood, really hurt what could be a nice car.
I have to wonder what’s hiding under what looks like a quick resale paint job?
I’ve been accused of a few things over the years but this is the first time I’ve been accused of being part of a vigilante group… I know, I know, slip of the keyboard “e” there… still thought it was, well, sort of at least a bit funny. Anyway, nice little wagon. Having been owned by Mr. Miller, for most folks, doesn’t really add much to the party but if the owner were to send the wagon to auction and got a couple of certifiable Disney nuts with some bucks in a tussle they’d likely bid it up there anyway.
I would have used a little finer roller nap for the paint job, had I had been asked to apply it.
The after-market side marker lights do not do it any favors. Cool little wagon though.
I believe the large mesh of the screen is primarily a support structure, if you look closely it appears that the heavy hardware mesh is used in conjunction with a fine mesh nylon or polyester screen material similar to what is used in residential windows.
Upon closer inspection, I am thinking the larger mesh is cord or string, not metal or even plastic. It is support for the finer mesh. It has a handle to pull it down and push it up. Where would it be stored if it were ridged? It rolls up into the top of the tailgate. Cool!
crazy money – but how many of them are this original and not straddled with a 6 cyclinder.
GLWA…
The 289 is a very positive selling point.
4.1/250 i6 would B fine by me too (185tq @ 1250rpm).
The dwn sized falcon is not the LTD/Marquis behomouth.
“Just right” (as Goldie Locks sez).
I’ll take it @ 2 – 7K$ but it’s already “Been taken down”.