Greater Victoria locals get first dibs on rare relic ride

When Ed Schaefer saw the ruby red 1967 Ford Falcon Super Van nearly two decades ago, it was love at first sight.

“I went and looked at it, and took it for a drive. Done deal,” said Schaefer.

“My wife said let me get this straight, you’re going to buy that piece of red junk? Ya, ya, that’s what I’m doing.”

Affectionately named the Centennial Falcon after the Star Wars Millennium Falcon, it’s been Schaefer’s baby for 18 years now. Fully overhauling the engine and transmission, keeping this classic car in tip-top shape.

And if you’re not a car person, the van is pretty rare. This one especially so. It was originally used in the 1960s as the Oak Bay Fire Department’s ambulance.

“So many people know it’s the Oak Bay ambulance, they’re happy to see that’s it’s still on the road. I get waves and smiles all the time, every day,” said Schaefer, smiling.

And just gearing up for a ride in the vintage vehicle you can feel the smile starting to grow.

As the engine starts, aside from the usual jingles and jangles of an old ride, it drives surprisingly smooth for a car that’s half a century old.

And for whatever reason – whether it’s the ruby red colour or vintage surprise of it rolling around the corner, it’s a relic that resonates.

“What kind of engine is in here?” asked a passerby in Oak Bay.

“A 24-6 cylinder,” said Schaefer.

“Gorgeous!” the admirer shot back.

“What did I tell ya,” said Schaefer to me, with a knowing smile.

But for Schaefer, it’s time to walk away.

“It was fun to fix it up, but now my turn is over. I’m moving,” said Schaefer.

“This chapter in my life is ending and a new chapter beginning. So, I’m leaving it behind.”

The antique auto with only 135,000 kilometres to its name is up for sale for a cool $12,600 (or best offer). But he’s holding out for an Oak Bay buyer.

“For some reason, a part of me hopes it stays here,” said Schaefer.

The listing can be seen on Facebook Marketplace. 

Editorial Policies Report an Error