Ford Econoline Travel Wagon

While the seller thinks this is a TurtleTop conversion, it’s actually something different. This beautiful restovivor RV based on a 1966 Ford Econoline bus is officially called a Ford Econoline Travel Wagon, and was converted by the Travel Equipment Corporation of Elkhart, Indiana. This particular one is located in North Royalton, Ohio and is up for sale here on eBay, where the buy it now is $24,900 but lower offers are encouraged.

Look closely at the top of the van in this picture–this is the travel mode, where the top is retracted for driving. This is really a cool design! And while I’m sure this is a repaint, if you look at it in the video loaded by the seller the RV has both very shiny and straight body.

image courtesy curbsideclassic.com

There’s a great article about these conversions here at curbsideclassic.com where they are characterized as the “American Westfalia”. What’s even more special about this one is that it’s on the extended version of the Econoline that was intended for bus use, so there’s even more length for the sleeping portion than the one in the brochure above.

As you can see, the interior is completely beautiful. It’s obvious that a lot of time and effort have been spent on making the inside of this RV spotless and beautiful. I don’t know how comfortable those seats will actually be, but they look nice, don’t they? Currently, the transmission is a three speed, but someone planned higher cruising speeds and a rebuilt three speed plus overdrive transmission is included with the sale if you want to install it.

And here is the stove, refrigerator and sink–vintage 60’s decor. We’re told everything works great!

Moving to the rear, we have the seating, dining, and when folded flat the sleeping arrangements. Again, so 1960’s!

 

Finally, under the “hood” between the seats, we have the inline 6 powerplant. Take a look at the end of the video to see how smooth an engine can actually be–if you didn’t realize the fan was turning you wouldn’t even know it was running!

Finally, I couldn’t let this post end without showing you the underside. Yes, I’m sure it wasn’t originally black. But look at the condition everything is in. Here’s one that sold in 2007 on the smaller wheelbase that wasn’t as nice that still brought $18,700! With this having been a California vehicle and as rust free as it is, I can’t imagine a better trip than to fly in after winning this auction and driving it home! How about you?

Source: barnfinds.com