oh, how I’d love to know more about the backstory behind this epic ski lodge bus. If you spend any time around ski resorts or canoe/rafting centers, you’ll see a lot of school buses used to transport adventure-seekers from the parking lot to the main drop point. Apparently, a ski lodge in the 1970s decided to make their own custom limo-van to ferry skiers to and fro, and this 1970 Ford Econoline formed the basis for what was once a very recognizable rig if you happened to ski out in the general area of Billings, Montana where the seller claims he found it slumbering in the woods! Find the long-wheelbase Econoline here on eBay where it’s awaiting the first bid of $2,700.
Where my in-laws live, you see old school buses all the time with custom racks for holding huge inflatable rafts intended for group adventures down the nearby rapids. It’s not exactly luxurious, but then again, you’re all so sweaty and wet that sitting on a school bus with sticky seats and no air conditioning really doesn’t bother you. This Ford Econoline was clearly a more cultured experience, with acres of bench seats and a pop-up table in the middle section. The seats were rear-facing in places, so this was clearly intended to be a social experience when you all piled in with your skis and poles secured to the giant roof rack.
Perhaps you wanted to have a snack or play cards for the long trip back to the parking lot. Whatever the actual environment was like, I’d love to know if someone out there remembers riding in one of these converted Econolines back in the day. The seller claims after the van was retired, it was parked in the Montana wilderness and forgotten for years until he came along. He claims the Ford started right up and made a short drive to his storage unit, and made the journey without issue. That’s rather incredible, considering how everything on this Econoline was oversized and likely far more taxing on the basic wear-and-tear components like suspension bushings and brakes. Of course, it hasn’t run since.
The seller notes despite its appetite for running without much help, it does have some sizable bodywork needs. There’s evidence of extensive damage on the driver’s side that has started to rust, along with rot evidence in the steering box mount. Fortunately, the seller is including a stockpile of new body panels to repair the affected areas. The seller calls the engine “ugly” and “old” despite its ability to fire up without much help, and says to count on a rebuild or replacement engine at some point. Lots of the glass is the pop-out variety, and it’s hard to imagine this limo van not being a hit in whatever its next incarnation is. How would you use it if you decided to bring it back to life?
Would make a cool looking RV but unfortunately cost would probably be the downside there.
Get the band. We’re going on tour!
Thanks Jeff. Interesting, and borderline cool. I’m not sure what one would do with it. My first thought was as a variation on the extended wheelbase vehicle rental business (weddings, birthdays, proms). Whatever its future use, it needs a ton of work.
Three speed manual; add that to the l-o-n-g wheelbase, I don’t think it would be a breeze to drive. Check out the in-dash a/c unit and the smoking regulations sticker.
From the forward-looking picture that includes the instrument panel/steering wheel, I thought it was a three-on-the-tree as well, Bob. (That shift lever definitely looks like it’s sitting in reverse.) Although the engine and transmission aren’t noted in the write-up, the actual ebay listing indicates the van is equipped with a 302-V8 and automatic transmission.
That is awesome ,needs a lot of work . Out of my budget .Never seen a van like that.
Looks like it’s gone.
That era of Econoline was the basis for my late dad’s custom van he had in the late 70s, albeit not the same length as this van. Flames on the sides, side pipe exhaust,shag carpet, cb radio….those were the days!
😎 got that right Chris. Pulling up to the lake for a water ski , in the van, tunes 🎶 going ..
More space for those people who make YouTube videos about living in vans
I’ve always been an enthusiast of Econoline vans up to 1991.
I would LOVE to have this van, and restore it, and have it as an RV! Something I would do if money were no object.
Unfortunately, nobody seems to want this van, as the auction ended without a single bid.
Not exactly. The listing was ended by the seller saying the item was no longer available. When that happens any bids that were placed disappear.
Read about the stretch limo accident in New York State a few years ago involving a car with fake inspection paper work. I forget how many folks were killed but it was a mess. “No bids” seems very smart.
Roll up another one!
Sold off of eBay. Said it’s an automatic, then says not much action in the clutch.
The Seller Should Know Something Of The Vehicle ???
Bruce Berry was a workin’ man, he used to load that Econoline van!
Looked at this van in Lodge Grass, MT in February of 2019, prior to current owner / seller getting it. At the then asking price of $1200, was too much after seeing how rough the body was. Very cool, but every inch of sheet metal was hammered!
My guess is that it didn’t actually sell. I also find it hard to believe anything from the seller as clearly the comment of ” was found in the forest outside Billings, Montana” is complete BS.