Ford E-Series, America’s best-selling full-size van for 31 straight years, marks 50 years with production of the 2011 model, enhanced with state-of-the-art technologies at Ford’s Ohio Assembly Plant in Avon Lake.
E-Series will offer a commemorative 50th anniversary edition, available as an XLT model, the van’s premium package. The anniversary edition features unique blue metallic exterior paint, specially embroidered “Econoline” front seatbacks and unique “Econoline 50 Years” badging on the left-rear cargo door.
“Ford has maintained its level of success for E-Series by continually monitoring its customers’ needs and maintaining a high level of quality,” said Craig Ruggirello, assistant marketing manager for E-Series. “If there’s a secret to its success, that might just be it.”
E-Series debuted as the Econoline in 1961, designed for commercial customers. Three bodystyles were available – Pickup, Delivery Van and Station Bus. The pickup delivered up to 30 mpg and carried a three-quarter-ton payload in a big 7-foot box. The van offered 204 cubic feet of cargo space – up to 57 cubic feet more than competitors – and had double doors at the side and rear for easy loading. The Station Bus, with twice the interior room of the biggest station wagon of the day, was designed to accommodate up to eight passengers when fitted with two optional bench seats as well as the standard driver and passenger buckets.
Over the years, Ford kept tabs on the wants and needs of its customers. In 1976, for instance, the Econoline made a youthful statement with the Cruising Van, a factory-customized model with mod paint schemes, porthole panel windows and a carpeted interior.
Econoline continued to extend its reach, and its popularity grew. Third-party van conversion companies helped make Econoline a favorite among buyers looking for customized features. Other bodymakers, including ambulance companies and shuttle van manufacturers, adopted Econoline. Partly because of the van’s popularity with commercial bodymakers, Ford introduced a chassis cab model in 1978.
Over the next few years, the improvements continued. In 1981, higher payloads appeared on most models, and halogen headlamps became standard. In 1987, an eight-passenger Club Wagon was introduced. Then in 1992, the entire line got a redesign.
The fourth generation of Econoline vans and Club Wagons were completely modernized after 17 years – redesigned aerodynamically and stylistically to meet the needs of the ’90s. Airbags were added, the sheet metal was new. There was new front end styling and dramatic improvements in quietness. Popularity of the full-size vans continued to soar. In fact, MOTOR TREND magazine named the 1992 Ford Econoline Chateau Club Wagon its Truck of the Year. In 1997, the line was refreshed with overhead-cam engines, including the only V10 in the segment.