1965 Ford Econoline Drag Truck – Mid-Engine Wheelstander Built for Racing
One of the most unique vehicles in our collection at Nostalgia Street Rods is this custom-built 1965 Ford Econoline pickup, engineered specifically for drag racing and wheelstanding performance. Designed to lift its front wheels high off the ground under hard acceleration, this truck captures the wild spirit of 1960s exhibition drag racing.
Although it started life as a Ford, this radical build is powered by a mid-mounted Dodge 440 V8 engine, making it a rare and head-turning cross-brand drag racer. This truck was originally campaigned back East and stands as a testament to the creativity and innovation that defined grassroots motorsports of the era.
Built to Perform: Features & Custom Modifications
- Mid-engine configuration with Dodge 440 big-block power
- Custom aluminum rear chassis components for reduced weight
- Full roll bar with sliding, lock-in design for easy access
- Line lock brake system to heat up rear tires pre-race
- Fairbanks racing shifter
- Dual seat setup—rare for a drag vehicle, but wild for any brave passenger
- Wheelie bars (hydraulically controlled) for high-angle launches
- LED rear lighting and no tailgate, all in the name of weight savings and speed
The stripped-down, aluminum-enhanced rear frame and minimalist setup embody the race-built philosophy: every ounce counts. From the hand-fabricated components to the high-performance engine placement, this 1965 Econoline is all about maximizing power-to-weight ratio.
A Rare Throwback to Exhibition Drag Racing History
While many Ford hot rods end up with Chevy powerplants, this one takes a different path—mating a Ford body with a Mopar motor. Reminiscent of the famous “Little Red Wagon” Dodge wheelstander from the 1960s, this build pays homage to an unforgettable era in drag racing history. Today, it's one of the more modern yet historically significant race cars in our museum.
See It Up Close at Nostalgia Street Rods
This drag racing icon is just one of the rare and fascinating vehicles on display at Nostalgia Street Rods in Las Vegas. Visit us to explore this one-of-a-kind build and the rest of our classic car and racing collection.