display van/ availability compared to cargo and falcons

My cousin just passed away and left behind a display van that is solid but needs alot of TLC..

I have the chance to buy it but am curious about the overall perception of the vannin community about the uniqueness of the display...with the windows on the one side and the panel on the other..its kind of an unusual hybrid van..

Were these originally Southwestern or Ma Bell phone vans? Anybody know what the purpose was/is?

Im also not real sure what its worth...motor is a 240 but knocking bad and would have to be replaced... also available is a good 289 with c4 auto transmission. It has a good body with minimal rust/dents..the logo on the side says "heavy duty"

Sorry for your family's loss.

289 is as big a v8 that you can fit without extensive doghouse mods. Heavy Duty will have a 9" and beefier suspension. 240's are good engines too.

I would agree display vans are rarer, many of them having a fleet history, some fleets of higher repute than others. The windows allow to display the contents of the van, like if the van contains a thief. Also, improves visibility for shoulder checking, lane changing / merging from left to right (think cargo van's blind spot).

I think a display van has a certain character to it... a certain charm... only need half the curtains when you fix it up!

Good luck.

A display van is the "mullet" of the van family, only it is side to side instead of front to back. A mullet is business in the front and party in the back, whereas a display van is business on the right and party on the left!

Im still interested in a display van. I just like the way they look -different. Happy vannin

there were alot made, but being solely work vans most haven't made it this far. I have seen some nice ones. Some like them some don't. Only one person has to like it, being you. I say if you like it get it

The first display vans were built for dealers to use on their showroom floors. This way potential van buyers could look at one van and see which they want, a window or a panel. Each dealer originally got one to display thus the name display van. Also a 302 will fit our Econos with no mods to the dog house. My 347 stroker went right in my 66 with no mods to the dog house.

Display vans were built for the trade industry. The panel side allowed shelves to be placed along the wall. The windows in the passenger side allowed light in so you could find what you were looking for. They also allowed visibility for the blind side. They were very popular with plumbers and electricians. I like display vans myself. They're different. I have some history with them. My stepfather had a 67 Dodge display and latter a 72 Econoline display. I also like the fact that it's a heavy duty with the big six. That's always a plus. In the end it's up to you. Is it something you would like? I think it would be a nice addition to the two you already have.

Duane in Tennessee.

They are harder to find, don't see to many in the course of the year. Do you know it's history??? Sears van , Ma Bell maybe???

I think display vans are cool. Best of both worlds. Mural space + outward visibility and daylight.

Wish I had had the cash to buy a solid A100 display van that used to be a Southern (Ma) Bell van that was at the '09 Taz Fest.

After the first display vans were built trades people saw them and wanted them so more were made but they were originally just to display on the showroom floor

The kid's '63 Display was a Ma Bell vehicle. I dug up old graphics of the "bell" decal on the door and reproduced it. Sure would be cool to repaint it that drab green, throw the decals back on the doors, and have a gasser looking Ma Bell van

Don't worry what others think. If you like it, grab it. I personally like to see different models on the street and at shows and that would definitely be a rare one. Besides, you will be saving another Econoline.