Designed in response to growing demand for smaller compact cars, Fords economical Falcon lineup debuted for 1960 and by 1961, served as the foundation for the new E100 Econoline truck series. Including cargo and passenger vans and a forward-control pickup, Econolines featured a short yet useful and traffic-friendly 90-inch wheelbase length and innovative packaging with engines housed between the front seats under a black doghouse cover. Simple in design and built for hard work, Econolines featured straight front axles and until 1967, they were powered only by six-cylinder engines. Development yielded improved Econolines for 1964, including a newly available automatic transmission, increased load capacity and both a longer wheelbase and double-wall cargo bed for the Econoline Pickup. Production of these distinctive haulers continued through 1968, when the pickup was discontinued for 1969 and succeeded by newly redesigned Econoline cargo and passenger vans. With their unique styling and relative simplicity, first-generation Econolines, especially pickups, are highly sought-after today.
 
This 1965 Ford E100 Econoline Pickup is a particularly attractive example that was produced at Ford Motor Companys Lorain, Ohio assembly plant in June 1965. An original Spring Special Econoline, it featured several high-end features from the factory including Arcadian (Light) Blue paint, a wide bright body side moulding, White sidewall tires, Falcon knock-off hub wheel covers, a left-hand chrome mirror, front and rear chrome bumpers and rear quarter-windows for a total of five windows. According to knowledgeable estimates, only some 2,000 to 2,500 of these upgraded Spring Special pickups were produced with far fewer surviving intact, making them highly desirable among knowledgeable collectors today. As a 1965 model, this Econoline Pickup includes the higher cargo capacity, longer wheelbase and double-wall cargo bed that were introduced in 1964. The original 170 CI six-cylinder engine was replaced by a period 289 CI V-8 engine, complete with factory-style installation, finishes and accessories, matched to a three-speed automatic transmission for driving ease. A spare wheel and tire are also included, mounted to the right rear of the cargo bed. Rare, stylish and unique in appearance, this 1965 Ford E100 Econoline Pickup is a fun, high-quality collectible that will certainly draw admirers everywhere it is shown by the new owner. Contact us now and experience it for yourself!