This Falcon van loves to be low.
Some automotive subcultures have their go-to cars. The track day crowd might choose a Mazda MX-5, or an E36 3 Series. Lowriders, on the other hand, prefer a classic GM Body or Geo-Body , such as a Chevrolet Impala, or a Buick Regal. Some people prefer to start with something completely new.
Gary Villeggiante wanted to create a new kind of lowrider. He decided to choose a 1967 Ford Econoline Falcon Club Wagon instead of the traditional platforms. Villeggiante, also known as the VanSlam bought the van from a wreck and turned it into a show-winning vehicle.
Villeggiante says it all began when Villeggiante saw the van on the street and asked its owner if he wanted to sell it. This unique build was started by the owner who said that they would sell it for $1,000. Villeggiante began work on the Club Wagon within days of receiving it. Villeggiante originally intended to keep the exterior unaltered. Tyler Pullen, Villeggiante’s friend at TP Custom Chop Shop convinced him to change his mind.
This result is a unique green paint job that features pinstripes, shades, and patterns. The interior is also greener, with the addition of side panels and seat upholstery. Villeggiante also made a huge hole in the roof to allow more sunlight into the van. Air suspension allows the van to be as low as possible to the ground thanks to its design.
The engine swap is last but not least. The straight-six options that were available in the ’60s are no longer offered by this van. The Econoline now has a 4.8-liter V8 from a Chevrolet Express van. It produces about 300 horsepower, according to the owner.
For the past few years, the van has been a huge hit in the custom car scene. It has won numerous awards over the years, including the 2020 Grand National Roadster Show award and the 2020 Sacramento Autorama award. This is quite an accomplishment considering Villeggiante only wanted to show that he can make a distinctive lowrider from a van.