The Econoline Thread

Earlier this week, we dove into The Pacifica—Gene Winfield’s 1962/63 Ford Econoline, built for the Ford Custom Car Caravan. That little feature got my wheels turning about Econolines and their history in the custom car world. And let’s be honest—it’s a lean history. Econolines have always been a bit of an oddball, and not many builders have taken the time to do them justice over the years. Off the top of my head, I can think of two standouts:

The first is Jim Noteboom’s creation, a recent effort that was also based on a truck. Beyond that, though, it’s miles apart from Winfield’s Pacifica. It’s a study in simplicity—clean lines that emphasize the slab-sided design of the truck, complemented by graceful trim, heavy shaving, headlights that are just right, and a taillight bar from the future. I haven’t seen this one in person, but the photos don’t lie…

The second? The crown jewel of Econolines: Coby’s VanGo. Built by KA Custom, Tim Conder, Pablo Perez, and others, it’s a mid-century modern-inspired masterpiece. Knowing Coby as I do, I’d say this is his personality morphed into steel—clean, simple, weirdly understated in a way, and viciously creative. It’s not just the best Econoline I’ve ever seen; it’s one of the most complete custom packages built in the modern era, period. It sets the bar so high it’s hard to imagine anyone ever touching it with an Econoline base.

But, here’s the deal: we need a proper thread on Econolines—customs, hot rods, the whole shebang. Post your findings here, and let’s give these oddball beauties the attention they deserve.