Vehicle Description
1961 Ford Econoline E100 Pickup
When Volkswagen, (VW), started importing its bus into the US in the
mid-1950s Ford, Chrysler, and GM all took notice. They each began
developing "forward control" vans to compete. As with VW, all three
used the drivetrains from its compact cars for power. In Ford's
case, it took the driveline from the Falcon and created a unibody
van and pickup truck with an F-100 leaf sprung I-beam front end.
With the driver's compartment moved over that front axle and a
7-1/2 foot bed it had lots of loading space and could be made very
cheaply.
For consignment, a first generation, first year of production ,and
introduction of a 1961 Ford Econoline E100 pickup truck. This
utilizes a cab over design where the front seats are above the
front axle, and the engine is underneath just aft of these seats,
but not impeding into the cargo bed. The van looks like it would
tip forward and indeed initial testing did prove that under heavy
braking it did so, thus a 165 lb weight was added under the back of
the bed to prevent this phenomenon. This truck has undergone some
addition of new parts, like tailgate lakeside rails, windshield,
gas tank and sending unit, a new exhaust system, and upgraded
electrical.
Exterior
This COE design sports all steel slabs, which last year was
completely rust remediated and repainted. It shows nice and shiny
in its Caribbean Turquoise lowers and White upper two tones.
Structurally it uses a truck front structural beam to reinforce the
unibody and has a flat front end. Neat eye-like shaped headlights
and horizontal bezels featuring a single round headlight in either
corner are seen. A new chrome bumper is framing the bottom and a
large panoramic windscreen floats just above the grille. Next we
have the cab which has large doors to access the passenger
compartment with their hinges literally on the front edge of the
vehicle. Moving back, the cab is extended just a bit for the engine
not to impede into the bed. Speaking of which, you have 7 feet of
cargo space for the bed which is covered in Rhino liner royal blue.
Some nice white painted oak side rails and bringing up the rear is
the tailgate with the large F O R D badge within it. Nicely rounded
rear quarters melt into this gate and the quarters have a single
round tail light on the top of them. We see no rear bumper for this
truck, just keep it simple. 15-inch silver painted steel wheels
have trim rings on their edges and a chromed moon cap in their
centers. These wheels are wrapped in wide whitewall 185/75R15
rubber all around. All looking pretty nifty for just turning the
corner from the 1950's!
Interior
Opening the doors which have the front wheel cutout within them, we
see all steel door panels. These are in turquoise and have not
undergone a respray like the exterior. An actuator and crank is
within this full metal jacket field. Stepping across the threshold
and on to the riser which houses the seats, we see more steel, some
with the original factory faded color and all unrestored. For the
drivers a small low back bucket in some brown, (saddle), vinyl
shows some cracking and wear. This has good padding within its seat
and back. For the passenger, it becomes a bit more utilitarian as a
simple frame with some stretched vinyl in saddle makes up this
slightly padded seat. The steering column and wheel rises front the
floor and is mounted to the bottom of the angled dash. This dash
has been repainted in the turquoise and in front of the wheel is
the instrument cluster sporting all circular gauges and some
warning lights and turn signal arrows. This truck is a 3 on the
tree which resides on the steering column. Between the seats is a
rather large tamboured console within which is the power plant.
Some extra storage is behind the seats and beside the engine
covering. This is also unrestored steel but remains rust free. The
headliner is all steel and the floors are black rubber. A heater is
noted under the dash between the seats but under the dash so it's
out of the way.
Drivetrain
Flipping the center console we can then see the engine which is an
inline 6 cylinder 144ci version. It has a 1-barrel carburetor and a
3 speed manual transmission on the back. As noted, a new exhaust
system has been installed even the a new exhaust manifold is noted.
The mill shows with a slight bit of dust, but is oil free and
looking great.
Undercarriage
Up on the lift we can note the new fuel tank and like new exhaust.
Some overspray is seen with the turquoise but mostly patina and a
bit of light surface rust as we get away from the over spray.
Suspension is all leaf spring and braking is all drums.
Drive-Ability
The truck started quickly and ran smoothly. It shifted through the
gears easily and has bias free panic stopping. I noted the horn did
not honk, the heater core has been bypassed and there is a rear
axle seal leaking. Our consignor noted the fuel gauge is inaccurate
when the fuel goes below 1/2 tank.
A first year example of the Cab Over design Econoline E-100. This
one has the exterior in freshly painted condition with no rust. The
interior needs just a bit of TLC, but still holds its own. It's the
design that's really great with this truck and the headlights are
really dripping with early 60's styling. Take it away!
E10SH156841
E10-Econoline 1/2 Ton 2wd
S-144ci I6
H-Lorain, OH Assy Plant
156841-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY TAG
WHEELBASE 090-90"
COLOR B-Caribbean Blue
MODEL E103-E100 1/2 Ton Pickup/Van
TRANS A-3 Speed Manual
AXLE 1-Ford 7" 3.50
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our
showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just
1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The
website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888)
227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come
see the vehicle in person.
