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Options and Equipment
THE VAN:
Began as a standard length (not long or short) Half Ton with desirable 5.4 liter engine and auto with overdrive. This is the very rare (less than 1% of all Ford vans) Chateau model, which includes many extra features. It has the same features as the common XLT model, plus much more. The XLT level features would be such as: power windows, locks and mirrors; tilt wheel and cruise control; stereo; gauges; chrome bumpers; tinted windows; high-back cloth seats; etc. In addition, it has many wonderful features mostly unique to the Chateau model, such as: two-tone paint; rear step bumper with rear-object detection sonar; special stripes; darker tint windows; leather seats; power drivers seat; rear ventilation with extra overhead controls and extra vents; leather steering wheel; 6 disc CD changer in-dash; upgraded interior and exterior trim; overhead console with many features; quick release rear seat; much more
MOBILITY
When new, this was mobility-converted by a specialty shop in the Denver area. This has the type and level of features that meets the highest demand for a wheelchair van, which is for certain folks in wheelchairs to be able to load, operate and unload themselves, with no assistance from another person. Here is the list of its primary mobility features:
* Deeply lowered floor: many people think of a full size wheelchair van as having a tall roof. Many are, yes, but some achieve the desired entry clearance and interior headroom via a lowered floor. Not having a tall roof has many benefits, such as: can park in most garages; can go in most carports and parking garages; will go into most drive thru windows at fast food places; less wind noise; better MPG due to less wind resistance; no possible roof leaks due to added roof; etc. Many such mobility van floors are only lowered in the middle of the van and most are only lowered 4 inches. This van has the ideal lowered floor scenario, which is an 8 inch! change, which is not only in the middle of the van, but in both front seating areas as well. This is a super rare and helpful floor modification.
* Both front seats are removable: this allows a person to park a wheelchair in either location, if desired.
* Drivers seat has what is called a 'turning base' under it: this allows the seat to travel a great range up and down, fore and aft, and most notably, it will turn apx 90 degrees. This allows some folks to transfer to/from their wheelchair, in order to drive from the regular seat. A device such as this costs 4-5 thousand dollars when new
* Power operated side doors: these work in conjunction with the lift in order to open and close with power, so that a person does not have to open them with their hands and arms
* Power lift with tri-fold platform: very nice feature, which creates a wide space for able-bodied folks to go in and out easily, when the lift is stowed. This feature is so nice to have when carrying extra passengers. Another benefit is that this style of lift does not impede the front passenger seat from being able to recline, as many other styles of lifts do.
* Various anchor points: these are mounted in the floor, for easily securing a wheelchair in a variety of locations.
* Several switch locations: inside and outside the van there are several places where the side doors and lift can be operated from.
* NEW: wireless remote system for the power side doors and lift. This includes 2 remote units, one is large and one small
Please feel free to email or call me with any such questions. I will gladly assist with anything you wish to know. I have discovered that due to the unique way each person evaluates, measures and expresses their needs, I can be most helpful regarding this subject if we communicate directly.
Dimensions, capacity and specifications:
Please feel free to email or
call me with any such questions. I will gladly assist with anything you wish to know. I have discovered that due to the unique way each person evaluates, measures and expresses their needs, I can be most helpful regarding this subject if we communicate directly.
Ownership
* Has had only two owners since new, both in the Denver area. Each of these two families owned it for a similar period of time.
GOLD-STANDARD
This vehicle is "GOLD-STANDARD": There are a combined 76 mechanical and cosmetic aspects included in the Wheelchair Van Oasis process. A foundational step of the rejuvenation process is when each vehicle receives an extensive inspection by an objective, independent third- party service and repair facility. Suggested service, repairs and improvements are then performed by various professional specialists. The result is your assurance that each of the 76 aspects meets or exceeds the condition level of good, or satisfactory. For details regarding list of 76 cosmetic and mechanical aspects, please click here
Each van does of course have various elements that exceed the promised level of good, or satisfactory, which the "Gold Standard" program assures. Some are brand new improvements performed during rejuvenation. And others are obvious service or repairs performed recently, prior to my ownership. As for those, I only list here those positives that are certain, based on my either having a receipt, and/or due to being obvious to the inspecting-mechanic. I refer to these as "NEW OR RECENTLY SERVICED ASPECTS". As for this vehicle:
New: Tires; rear battery; 02 sensor; repair heater; new wireless remote system; service and repair lift and power doors; lube/oil/filter; wipers; alignment; overhead console
Recent:
* Approximate retail value/cost of above-listed items: $1,900 (extensive investment in cosmetic rejuvenation is in addition to this $1,900
Carfax Report Summary
(Carfax is a widely used database which indicates the history of a vehicle including accidents, prior owners, etc.)
Nothing notably negative or unusual. No airbags deployed...No damage leading to such report notes as salvage, totaled, etc...no "red marks" on the report...no major accident...no lemon history…no odometer tampering…no derogatory remarks on the state-issued title
You Might Like To Know...
* Each of my vans has a superb paint sealant as the final step of the extreme detail. If you were to have a professional apply a treatment the cost would be several hundred dollars.
* This fancy 'Chateau' model van is so rare. My research indicates that possibly as few at 1 in 500 Ford vans were this special model. It was much more costly and is much more highly featured than the most common, XLT model.
Summary of this Gem
There is much to love about this special van. It is very attractive, has nearly as extensive of mobility conversion as is available, and it has very nice miles. Now that it has been highly rejuvenated to 'Gold Standard' condition, it is quite a fantastic, rare and attractive van. |
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Heavy Duty rear chrome bumper |
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Less than 1% of all full size Fords are this special, extra fancy and well-equipped model |
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Power, leather, turning seat |
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Only available on this fancy model, has temp, direction, MPG, etc |
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Sweet stereo |
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2 Wireless remotes for lift and side door and also for locks and such |
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Super feature: turning seat (cost $5,000 when new!) |
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Much venting and lights for middle and rear of van |
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Very attractive van, inside and out |
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That box on floor is easily removed, when parking wheelchair in that location |
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When lift is stowed, able-bodied folks can easily go in and out, due to the folding platform (less than 1/3 of such vans have this) |
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Easy transitions in and out with wheelchair |
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Very versatile anchor points for wheelchair |
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This ledge makes obvious the deeply lowered floor, which creates generous, awesome entry clearance and interior headroom |
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Either seat can easily be removed if you want or need to park wheelchair in the front |
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