While manufacturers have rolled the dice on odd-ball truck designs over the years, those models usually met limited acceptance in the marketplace. Two of the oddest—and coolest—pickups you’re likely to encounter are currently listed on eBay Motors.
The Ford Econoline entered production in 1961 as Ford’s reaction to the Volkswagen van. It was America’s first modern conventional van and was based on the compact Ford Falcon platform. The Econoline was offered as a cargo van, a passenger van, and as a pickup truck.
The folks at Gas Monkey Garage are listing a splendid red 1963 E100 survivor on eBay. While the truck is not in running condition, Gas Monkey states that it is “fairly complete and rust free.” While the carburetor is sitting on the cab floor, the straight six’s cylinder head has gone AWOL. The 1961 E100 was equipped with a 2.4-liter engine and a three-speed manual transmission. In later years, 2.8-liter and 3.9 liter sixes were also offered, as was an automatic transmission.
The E100 pickup was one of the most unique domestic pickups ever built. The extreme “cab-over” design situated the E100’s seats over the front axle, with the engine slightly behind. The truck was so nose heavy that Ford engineers added a 165-pound counterweight over the rear wheels. Nearly 12,000 Econoline pickup trucks were built in 1961.
The red paint on the current example is weathered and the doors are riddled with nicks, but the metal is straight. There’s surface rust on the cab roof. The truck rides on steelies with smooth center caps. One of the center caps appears to be missing. The cab is gutted and the seat is missing. Consider this beauty a blank canvas on which you can paint your masterpiece.
Petite Pick-Up
Do you dig the cab-forward look of the E100, but care for something restored and a bit more petite, with international appeal? Well, the pint-sized Subaru Sambar Kei truck, launched in 1961, could be a match. The tiny Sambar looks like it zipped straight out of a scene in Roger Rabbit’s Toontown. Or perhaps off a college campus, as it resembles a low-speed neighborhood electric vehicle.
The second-generation 1969 Sambar listed on eBay was tastefully resto-modded. It’s been painted in 1969 AMC Javelin “Big Bad Blue.” Not big enough to be truly considered “bad,” it rolls on tiny 10-inch wheels with matching paint, chrome hubcaps, and white walls.
The seller states that the “truck has very low miles (3,706) which I believe to be correct.” He estimates that Subaru sold roughly 1,000 to 1,500 of these trucks between 1969 and 1970 in the United States. “The short story is that it’s a rare little vehicle,” says the seller. California black plates are the perfect complement. The engine is original and in running condition. The brakes have been rebuilt. There are some electrical issues with the lights. The interior is splendid, with new upholstery, headliner, and door cards.
While the Subaru Sambar’s curb appeal is massive, hauling capability is limited. The 1969 model is powered by a 356cc engine, mated to a three-speed manual transmission. That’s smaller (and offers fewer gears) than some modern-day lawn tractors.
