1961 Ford Econoline Custom V8 Van
Rust-Free California Van Since New
This 1961 Ford Econoline is my personal van I’ve owned since 2007. It was built to capture the spirit of the custom vans I admired growing up — combining classic surf-cruiser styling, tasteful craftsmanship, and V8 power into a uniquely nostalgic California custom. After a long search, I realized most of the vans I found leaned toward more traditional, simple builds. Coming from a background of driving and appreciating European luxury cars, I decided to build something a little more refined and upscale while still keeping the nostalgic spirit of an early custom Econoline intact. With retirement approaching and too many projects in the collection, it’s time to pass it on to someone who will appreciate the personality and detail that went into creating it.
This rust-free California van has seen very limited use since restoration and has been stored indoors since completion. The custom gauges are not fully hooked up, so the exact mileage since completion is unknown, but based on my ownership and the overall condition of the van, I estimate approximately 2,000–4,000 miles since restoration. Supporting that estimate, the tires were installed around 2007 and still retain roughly 80% tread.
The body was refinished in classic Ford “Ming Blue” single-stage paint with over $10,000 invested in body and paint work alone. The panels were carefully blocked and sanded, giving the van a smooth, straight appearance with an authentic vintage finish that modern base/clear paint simply doesn’t replicate. Chrome bumpers, grille, and headlamp surrounds present beautifully, while the Cragar Super Sport chrome wheels give the van the perfect period custom stance.
Additional custom touches include a fabricated stainless front side window brace with chrome wing moldings, a chrome ePup rear bumper with integrated license plate mount so no holes were drilled into the rear cargo doors, plus a surfboard rack complete with a period-correct longboard that perfectly captures the vintage California vibe this Econoline was built around.
Inside, the van features desirable Deluxe Club Wagon trim along with large full leather seats equipped with lumbar support and seat warmers. The painted dash, steering column, battery box, and engine cover were refinished in complementary 1960 Lincoln Continental “Blue Crystal” metallic, creating a tasteful upscale contrast against the vintage styling.
Other highlights include classic instrumentation, chrome horn-ring steering wheel, dual leather sunvisors, day/night rearview mirror, a custom hand-built roll-top center console with cup holders and phone storage, plus custom rear storage boxes with piano hinges already installed. While the rear cabinetry has been completed, the rear paneling, headliner, and flooring were never fully finished, leaving the next owner the opportunity to complete the interior to their own personal taste.
Power comes from a rebuilt Ford 289 V8 paired with a C4 automatic transmission and Ford 9-inch rear end. Additional upgrades include dual exhaust and a modern EZ Wiring harness. The van has the sound, feel, and character you would expect from a properly built early custom Econoline and delivers a wonderfully nostalgic driving experience that immediately takes you back to the golden era of vintage custom vans and California surf culture.
Still Needs / Finishing Items
Like many long-term custom builds, there are still a few items left for the next owner to finish or personalize:
• Seat heaters, lumbar functions, speedometer, and fuel gauge need hookup
• Minor body and paint touch-up work remaining (previously quoted around $2,000–$3,000)
• Transmission currently shifts from the column and should have a neutral safety switch added or a shift kit refinement completed
• Tires have excellent tread remaining but should be replaced due to age
There is well over $70,000 invested in this build over the years and I fully understand I won’t recover that amount. This is simply a very cool, thoughtfully customized, rust-free California Econoline with tremendous personality and countless unique details that took years to create.
Stored at my warehouse in Costa Mesa. I’m currently in town and available to show it through May 27th. I expect to return sometime in July and would be happy to show it again then if it’s still available. Serious inquiries welcome.
I can be reached, call or text 707-332-8331
