Someone Transformed an Old Ford Van into a Mini Semi, and It’s Awesome.
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Sometimes, I imagine what it would be like to be a truck driver. While I know it’s not a glamorous life, I still feel drawn to it. Hauling gravel in my 1966 Ford F600 is one of the great joys in my life. That’s why I can’t fault the person who created this tandem-axle Ford “Economac” available on Bring a Trailer.
Last week, I came across a video of this unique big rig on social media, and today I saw it listed on every car auction enthusiast’s favorite site. It’s registered as a 1967 Ford, but there’s plenty of custom fabrication involved. The listing mentions that it sits on a custom frame, which holds a mid-mounted 351 Windsor V8. This pushrod engine lets out a roar through a pair of stacks positioned behind the cab.
Speaking of the cab, it’s truly a trucker’s fantasy. It tilts forward like you’d expect from a COE semi and is equipped with numerous switches to manage features such as the air suspension. It even has a shifter similar to those found in real tractor-trailers, though this one is paired with a four-speed automatic instead of a 13-speed. You can critique it all you want, but when designing a cruiser, comfort reigns supreme.
Only one of the rear axles is powered, which is fairly standard, and it’s equipped with an 8.8-inch differential featuring a Trick Flow cover. The rear is suspended with a triangulated four-link setup, while the front employs a MacPherson strut arrangement. Power steering makes it easy to navigate, and on a sunny day, the chrome 17-inch American Racing wheels are sure to turn heads.
Additional comforts enhance the experience, including an aftermarket HVAC system. If you have children (or grandchildren), they’ll likely be impressed by the 140-mile-per-hour speedometer. Personally, I enjoy the 8,000-rpm tachometer — aim high, I suppose.
The Mighty ECONOMAC, 6-Wheeled, V8 Powered Custom Ford Econoline!
In my opinion, this is far more exciting than trying to recreate a Peterbilt on a miniature scale. I’ve seen people construct their own “semis” so small they struggle to fit into the driver’s seat. Instead, this is a fantastic Sunday driver sure to bring smiles to everyone—including the future owner before the auction concludes on Tuesday, April 7. At the time of this writing, the highest bid stands at $21,000, but who knows if that meets the reserve. I can nearly guarantee that it cost at least double that to build.
Have a tip or question for the author? Reach out directly: caleb@thedrive.com
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Someone Transformed an Old Ford Van into a Mini Semi, and It’s Awesome.
The cab leans forward to expose a 351 Windsor V8, and as anticipated, there are two stacks that definitely like to roar.