Shag carpet was a popular defining characteristic of many homes in the 1960s and 1970s – often available in vivid colors like green, brown and orange. Some interior designers say shag is making its way back. Would you ever consider putting shag into your house today? How about putting into a hippie-style project van?
The Pick of the Day is a 1964 Ford Econoline van listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Westlake Village, California.
Oh yes, it has orange shag carpet for days – not to mention a well-optioned color-keyed interior with two-tone Wise Guys seats, a custom steering wheel, and a Pioneer flip-out stereo connected to dual 10-inch subwoofers and many other speakers. This van is a concert hall on wheels.
“Absolutely stunning show van,” the listing begins. “Fully restored with new paint and custom front grille. Stunning new interior.”
The Econoline (referred to as the E-Series in modern day) debuted in 1961, and the first generation stayed in production through 1967. It had some unique engineering attributes. Most notably, it could be outfitted in van or pickup variants, and it had a unibody “cab-over-engine” design. Essentially, the driver was placed over the front axle, and the engine was accessed via a compartment between the two front seats. That engine, in this case, is a 460ci big-block V8 that transfers power to the rear wheels via a C6 three-speed automatic transmission and a nine-inch limited-slip rear end.
Ford promoted the fact that the Econoline fan had a low, flat floor for loading (it was only a 22-inch lift). One of the advertisements said, “Big 204-cubic-foot load space – up to 56% bigger inside than old-style panels! Yet Econoline is 2.5 feet shorter outside, turns sharper, parks in less space.” Ford offered a heavy-duty version of the van that increased its payload from 1,650 pounds to 2,000 pounds. It was designed (and promoted) as a workhorse.
However, work is probably not on the radar for this eye-catching show vehicle. The images in the listing show the van on display at various car show events, including one with its barn-style passenger-side doors wide open for a clear view of the radical interior. The van could very easily serve as a cross-country recreational vehicle thanks to its cozy seating/sleeping arrangement in the rear cargo area. Even its headliner gives a retro vibe since it’s made of stained wood paneling.
If you are ready to experience (or relive) your 1960s shag carpet dreams, ClassicCars.com has you covered. The asking price is $38,500 or best offer.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
