Wow. Wow. Wow! A triple-wow is issued on this mind-blowing, nut-and-bolt restored 1972 Ford E200 Econoline van. Heck, let’s make it four Wows! We always hope that folks will click on the ads and look at the photos and read the descriptions that sellers provide, but this is one case where we really hope you check out the photos. It’s posted here on craigslist in Lake Forest, California, and they’re asking $43,500. Here is the original listing, and thanks to Rocco B. for the tip!
I know, $43,500 for a 54-year-old Ford van. There’s no denying that unless a person restores a high-end exotic or something with a value well into the six-figures or more, it’s hard to get their restoration investment back. As incredible as this van is, I can’t see anyone paying anything close to this asking price, sadly. Just a word of warning: make sure you have a Kleenex when you look at the underside photos, it’s like seeing the Sistine Chapel ceiling for me.
Ford’s second-generation E-Series vans were made from 1968 through 1974, and they’re a favorite for a lot of us. This is a Window Van, but Ford offered many different configurations for windows. Buyers always got windows in the front and two front doors, but then they could add rear windows, side windows, on one or both sides, etc. There was a Display Van with rear windows and right side windows, and this full window van seems to have been the most popular.
Oddly, even with 23 great photos, this is the only photo showing the front cab seating area, or a close-up view anyway. There are detailed photos, and the last one with the passenger side door open, showing the front seating area. I can’t imagine owning a van this nice. I’m used to beat-up old Dodge vans; I’d almost be afraid to drive this one. Here’s what the rear cargo space looks like.
A fifth Wow! This isn’t the straight-six that a lot of us expected to see; this is a 331-cu.in. OHV stroker V8 with an estimated 350 horsepower! You can see the headers peeking out from under the doghouse there, and this has to be an incredible power upgrade from the standard 240 inline-six or optional 302 V8. Those were the only two engines available for the E200 in 1972, according to page 7 of this brochure. It’s backed by a rebuilt C6 automatic, and here’s a video of this van cruising down the highway. Have any of you seen a nicer, restored second-generation Ford van?
Wow!
Like he said, a labor of love”. For the builders sake I hope some buyer has the same love for this beauty. Better than new. “Maybe” you could build it for that but only if you don’t count the sandpaper. And a “Hot Rod” no less. What is there not to like?
The price?
Well, there’s that. Like I said, I hope for the seller, a buyer has the same love…
SoCal Timing Assn sticker on the window: I can guess this dude knows his way around fixing vehicles. No doubt serious coin was involved but it helps to be in the racing world with access to shops, help, and materials.
I would love to own this. I prefer earlier Econoline styling but I’m not going to hold that against this example.
This such an amazing time machine. You don’t come across many, if any Econoline vans that are restored to this degree. I mean you have to admit, this looks like it was just sitting on a Ford showroom in 1972. You couldn’t restore it for that price. And this workmanship looks phenomenal. Some serious work went into that Ford small block too. I was not expecting to see that. Really nice one Scotty!!!
Talk about love. Wow this thing is a beauty and must really boogie with that 331 in front. What in heavens name is that big ducting going to the back, i’m guessing a rear heat duct ? Now probably because i’m old but when i see this i’m remembering the same one in ” Diamonds are Forever “
Great write up! When $$ is not an option and you pick the least likely candidate for a frame off restoration! They did Ford proud with this one. Now finding a buyer may be another matter altogether but “WOW” is an understatement!
Cubular. I just can’t get excited about vans I guess. The workmanship I can see is first rate. I’ll give it that. But having ridden in work vans I don’t get it. Good luck to the seller and the prospective buyer.
nice restoration but i think this style of van is ugly i like the ones from the late 60s better, good luck to the seller i hope they get their asking price.
I paid $500 for my ’74 Club Wagon, back in the early 90’s! Kept it for ten years. I put a heater core, and brakes on it, during that time. Drove it everywhere, and only sold it to a guy a work, who “had to have it.” Two months later, he broke a brake line, parked it in his backyard, and junked it a year later. Another one I wish I had back.
I love this thing…beautiful job. This is worth every penny if you have the money and space for it. If I owned a Ford dealership, this would be on my showroom floor.
outstanding job done here. it truly is a SUPER VAN. too nice to drive i agree with mike. this should be on a ford dealer showroom floor. better looking than a transit van
This is very cool. A restored passenger van? Restored to stock, maybe better than stock? With a bit of hot rodding? Who does that? Well, here it is.
I’m a softie for something different or unusual or rarely seen, this one fits the bill, dramatically so.
Great write-up Scotty.
I sold my 1971 Ford E series Van 2 years ago. It looked similar to this one and I wanted to restore it but that never happened. My was green and was painted by the previous owner with a roll paint brush. My whole family called it the jolly green giant. Now I have a 1992 Ford F-150 FlareSide and I am restoring it body work and paint is done. I love Fords.
WOW! – that under body picture! I don’t think these ever
looked that good from the factory.
I’ve never been a big fan of vans (I had a ’65 Chevy for a while) due to not liking sitting right up front next to the motor, but this one is absolutely stunning. I’ll see your four wows and raise you a “Holy Moly!” Scotty. =:-)
That Van is a rocking 😎 .. so don’t bother knocking 😲
Sorry, I need to go against the grain for many here. Two Ford vans and I could see myself with the affordable fun one not this. The dirty 67 van shows promise. This one is expensive, as nice as it is, but I couldn’t feel comfortable using it. The value would go down immediately with any use.
WOW!
These used to be such a dime a dozen!
You had to pay the junker to take it!
For the period; it was ordinary!
I saw many flattened upon arrival.
Now, go find one.
Lot of space, little metal.
Like the Chevy van; they got squished out as fast as they were produced!
This is a piece of history. I have one.