Surf Van? 1964 Ford Falcon Club Wagon
Despite having a leaking head gasket, bidding is going strong for this cool 1964 Ford Econoline Falcon Club Wagon, which is undoubtedly a perfect option for those of you who live near a beach and happen to own a period-correct roof rack and surfboard. That’s pretty much what this Club Wagon was meant to do, given the vibe it gives off as being the perfect surf wagon. The short wheelbase, patina’d paint, and old-school stickers in the window all combine to make this rarely seen Falcon van seem like a worthy project despite its disclosed mechanical faults. Find it here on eBay with bidding at $9,000 and no reserve.
Now, kudos to the seller for being up front about its mechanical faults. Before we get to that, though, let’s look at the good news. First, the interior is fairly spotless and is in a great configuration for bringing a few friends and their gear along for the ride. It’s actually even better for being parked beach-side and just enjoying a meal, which may be all you end up doing if the head gasket issue isn’t resolved! The rear bench seats look as good as they do because they were apparently removed early on and stored carefully, which rarely happens once a bulky item like a bench seat is taken out. Presumably, the seats were removed to make it easier to sleep in the back and store your gear securely.
The 289 engine is correct for the Club Wagon, but unfortunately, it has started to “…burn water at a very fast rate,” according to the seller. This is a shame because the engine sounds like it otherwise runs great with no sputtering or stumbling. In what may be good news for the next owner, the head gasket leak hasn’t caused the oil to be contaminated, and the seller suspects the leak is located between an exhaust or intake port. Other mechanical improvements made by the seller include full-length frame rails, a Ford nine-inch rear end, new fuel lines, new tires and shocks, and a rebuilt front end and brakes with a fresh alignment.
I love details like these, the old-school stickers still in the window that give you some clues as to the previous owners and the memories they made with the van. While a leaking head gasket is no one’s idea of a good time, I suspect the strong bidding is due to the rust-free condition, minty interior, nicely aged original paint, and the classic short wheelbase stance. Overall, this Club Wagon is the kind of project that will bring a smile to your face every time you drive it, and hopefully, the next owner is able to remedy the engine issues quickly and get back to cruising down to the beach bar on any night that weather permits.
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Comments
Located in Pollock Pines,California – east of Sacramento.
“Zoinks, Scoob! It’s our van!” “Aroo?”
But the “Mystry Machine” was a panel van.
I don’t believe the 289 is the correct engine. It was most likely a 170 or 200 in 1964.I like the idea of the 289 though. That’s what would be in it if I owned it.
I don’t think a V8 was available in an Econoline until the next body style in 68.
Nice truck though or is it a car or a wagon? Must be a car, because it was the Falcon line up. Was this the initiation of the model line up like using the Mustang and Bronco line today?
Nice touch to turn the first rear seat around. It just needs a folding table like a Vanagon or Eurovan. If you put the cooler there, you lose the legroom.
We had a few of these in the 60’s. One was lettered and used as a rolling advertisement when my Dad ran for the state senate.
V-8 power did not show up in Econoline/Falcon Club Wagons until the 1968 redesign. Install appears to be nice, though.
Beautiful looking van. This looks like it could be anything one wants to use it for. A taxicab, a School Bus, a wheelchair accessible vehicle, whatever one needs or wants. Given its condition, I’d be willing to pay around the $9000 asking price.
These vans only came with 6 cly. motors 144 ci. and 170ci.
The 289 engine were only put in Ford cars starting in 1965.
The rising prices of the VW Microbuses has raised the prices of these 1960s Ford Econolines and understandably so. As an owner of a 1962 VW Microbus and a 1966 VW Microbus and a 1969 Ford Bronco, and all stock in appearance and all purchased pre-stratospheric prices, I would love to add this Econoline to my humble collection of classics if only I had the money or the willpower to sell one of my other vehicles.
Looks like the prior owner was a dirt biker. Not my cup of tea, but could be a cool project. Worth the investment the way old vans like this are increasing in value right now.
Located in:
Pollock Pines, California
V8 is WRONG for 1964.
It’s not a reference restoration nor is it attempting to be a street sleeper. Having V8 power gives it the ability to not be run over from behind on the highway.
Butchered.
… but butchered beautifully!
Gonna be a hot seat for the front middle passenger. The 6’s ran hot. And why would someone do this to the worst vehicle known to man? I think ’64 or ’65 was the last year for the Falcon designation and just became Econolines.
In case anyone is interested, in 1961, Ford came out with the H series cabover semi,( Ford’s 1st diesel from the factory) and was nicknamed the “2 Story Falcon” because they resembled an Econoline.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/541276448973546032/
That’s a cream puff. Nice interior. Must move nicely with a V-8 .
perfect for nother “Falcon” (actually the ThriftPower) motor (144/2.2; 170/2.8; 200/3.3; 250/4.1… 240/300 = 4.9 – ’60/96 on upto efi).
Bud just puta 4.1 ina “no window” (4 + windshield), 8dor. Trick paint, shinny wheels/big tires’n a 5 speed rounds out a nice rig 8^ )
I like it, the “A” too for the slant6 and split w. shield (early models).
I like the body style on these. Cool blast from the past but they’re not good drivers w/o some “restomods” in key areas. But, for putzing around, going to the car shows, etc, it would be great. Add a crate motor or fix this one if the engine is sound other than the head gasket, add AC for Florida cruising, and it would be perfect.
Of course, we didn’t know any better yrs ago and these got driven all over the US locally and long distance. It could still do it but not with the comfort of something modern. Still pretty cool IMO.
Ended:
Oct 06, 2021
Winning bid:
US $11,100.00
[ 27 bids ]