The Ford Econoline debuted in 1961 as a derivative of the new Falcon compact. It came in the form of cab-over passenger and cargo vans, and even a pickup (like the Chevrolet Corvair). During the first generation, to compete with the Volkswagen Transporter, Ford partnered with Travel Equipment Corp. to develop the Family Wagon, a pop-up camper with a “turtle top”. This example is from 1964 and is well-worn, but perhaps rebuildable. Located under a carport in Little Rock, Arkansas, this nifty project is available here on craigslist for $2,950.
We assume this Family Wagon is a conversion from Travel Equipment and not something someone cobbled together themselves. It was based on the Econoline passenger van, as it comes with side windows rather than steel panels. These fun campers are said to have been built to sleep up to six passengers, so maybe all the comforts of home were present. A small air conditioner hangs out one of the side windows, so we assume 12-volt power was arranged.
These wagons were powered by six-cylinder engines, and – in 1964 – a 170 cubic inch 6-banger was used. A 240 truck I-6 was optional. The dusty air cleaner here may have a 200 label on it, so perhaps the engine is not original. Whatever the case, this van doesn’t run thanks to a lifter that’s “not pumped up.” A 3-speed manual transmission was/is the typical companion to the six-cylinder motor.
There is some rust present, and the odometer reading may be in the 98,000-mile neighborhood. The overall condition of the van is rated as “fair”, so perhaps this is restorable given the right budget and talent. It’s not likely to be a candidate to be a donor unless you happen to already have one of these Travel Wagons. Bring cash but leave the trades at home. Can you have it running by Summer? And thanks, Rocco B., for the cool tip!
Kind of a cool small camper. I just can’t get my head wrapped around 6 people sleeping in there. The advertisement shows the top folding down for travel. Neat feature, dinner table and that would be 2, 2 more up top then? Folding hear sofa? Still a tiny area for six, but I like the concept. Has potential but definitely not a simple project. More for the weekend to the campground than cross country.
These sleep six with use of canvas bunks. One goes above the two front seats – so 1 below and 1 above; 2 sleep on the main bed; 1 on a single bunk above that; and the last single up in the pop-up top.
Search Ford Econoline Travel Wagon images and the brochure with layout can be found.
got to love the a/c unit strapped into the window
Travel wagons may have looked like turtles but there was a company that did van conversion with fiberglass tops named turtle top different company than travel wagon turtle top is still in business making bus conversions In New Paris Indiana
My brother and I owned several turtle top Dodge vans in the 70s and 80:s my brother did a tour of al 48 lower states in his back in 77
The 1964 Ford Econoline came standard with a 144 cubic-inch (2.4L) straight-six engine, with an optional 170 cubic-inch (2.8L) “Thriftpower” straight-six available for increased power.
The much better 240 inch Big six became available the next year and had a little hump in the floor behind the engine “dog house” to clear the much better, stronger transmission.
Seller says it has an “open title” meaning it is Not in seller’s name.
Red flag.
Some states see that a sale has taken place without paying them tax and title fees.
Hey Y going to smoke that joint by yourself
We grew up with exactly one of these “Turtle Tops “ and I learned to drive on it.
Family of five plus a dog. I always slept on the hammock in the cab and sister slept in the hammock above the bed and brother slept in the turtle top. We loved it and went all over the place. I was a popular ride in high school and used it to move away to college!
Open titles can be a huge problem in most circumstances. I did sell a vehicle on an open title, however: There was full disclosure, a friend of mine sold it to me, and I had his number and could produce him in person if the new purchaser demanded. Ask about that *first*.
There’s no way one lifter causes the engine not to run. It will have a misfire, and/or be noisy, but it will run. I suspect another issue.
I’d probably be a buyer of this, only for nostalgia, because my grandfather had a blue 1962 (I think). When we went to the Poconos, we’d always clamour to be the one to sit on the dogbox, but I think we called it the “hump” back then. That was long before it was verboten to not be wearing a seat belt, probably 1969 or 1970.
All I know is, it was goofy, probably crappy riding, hot, and slower than molasses in January. We loved it.
That backwoods air con unit has to go.