Ford Van History - Econoline and Transit (photos)
Aside from the legendary cars and trucks, Ford has a long history with vans, being one of the innovators in these practical vehicles. Get to know some history of the Econoline and the Transit.
1. First Generation Econoline - 1961-67
The first generation of the Ford Econoline was in production from 1961 to 1967. Some people think Econoline was based off of a Ford truck's chassis, however, it was actually built on the bones of the Ford Falcon, much like the Bronco and Ford Mustang. Power at first came from the Falcon straight six as well, until a few years later when the 240 cubic inch truck six cylinder became an option. The Econoline was only as long as an average sedan, measuring 173-inches from the front to the rear bumper, on a 90-inch wheelbase, but had over 200 cubic feet of room inside for cargo. Passenger version were dubbed the Falcon Van and featured windows and seating for 8, and there was also a cut down pickup truck version too.
2. First Generation Transit - 1965-78
The very first Transit debuted in 1965, and it was a rear-wheel drive van, featuring an extremely boxy exterior, but using Ford of Europe passenger car underpinnings. The first Transit was offered with a small V4 motor, as well as a diesel engine which required a longer nose on the van. Later the long nose body work was also used for V6 versions of the van. The first generation Transit van's pet-name in Germany is Schweineschnauze, translating to Pig Snout. Wheelbases ranged from 106-inches to 118-inches, and tall and short roof versions were made, as well as passenger versions and pickup trucks.
3. Second Generation Econoline - 1969-74
The second generation Econoline was supposed to debut for 1968, however, due to the UAW strike it officially hit the market in spring 1969. This generation saw big changes, and the first notable one was moving the engine forward and the driver back, so they were no longer next to the "dog house". For this generation, the Econoline had more in common with the truck line, including 240ci and 300ci six cylinders and an available V-8. The solid front axle of the previous generation was gone, and the twin I-beam front suspension from the truck was adapted too. Wheelbases offered were 105.5-inches and 123.5-inches, and the passenger version could be had with seating for up to 12 people now.
4. Third Generation Econoline - 1975-91
The third generation of the Econoline was in production (with minor changes) from 1975 to 1991. This model had a pointier nose, moving the motor even further forward, which gave the driver and the passenger more room, as well as more walk-through room between them. This generation featured a full-length frame, almost the same as the F-series trucks of the era. This model was offered in four different engine options: the 302ci V8, 351ci Windsor V8, the 460ci V8, and the 6.9-liter diesel V8 engine. The van grew in ever dimension, with 124-inch and 128-inch wheelbase version offered, as well an a "supervan" with an extra 20-inches of body behind the rear wheels. In 1992 the Econoline was revised to meet modern safety standards, but besides a slightly longer nose, the elimination of the short wheelbase and power train changes not much else happened.
5. First Generation Ford Transit MKII - 1978-86
The MKII Transit is actually much like the original under the skin, but there were exterior changes and new motors. Gone were the V4 motors, and in its place was the Lima 2.3 liter SOHC 4 cylinder from the Ford Pinto. The Essex V6 was also an option, as well as a 2.5 liter diesel.
6. Second Generation Transit - 1986-00
In 1986, the real second generation Transit went on the market, and the redesigned van was much more aerodynamic. The ancient solid front axle design finally got updated to a fully independent front end (on short wheel base version), which eventually made it to the heavier duty version LWB van as well. The engines carried-over from the MKII first generation, but with some slight upgrades due to emission regulations, and the Essex V6 was replaced with the Cologne V6. In 1994, the Transit received another major facelift, and engine updates, as well as the option of AC, central locking, power windows, electric mirrors, and airbags for the first time.
7. Third Generation Transit - 2000-13
The third generation Transit was introduced in 2000, and it featured an all-new design. The new design was inspired by the new edge styling of the Ford Focus and Ford Ka. Unique among all vehicles, the Transit was available in front- rear-, or all-wheel drive. This model was offered with the optional Puma-type Duratorq engine, which was similar to the motor in the Jaguar X-type. The ultimate version of this Transit is the Transit XXL, which was created by welding two of them together, to carry 7 passengers in 1st class comfort, plus all of their luggage, and is nearly 25 feet long.
8. Fourth Generation Transit - 2013-present
With the fourth generation Transit van, Ford has finally combined the American and European van lines. Available wheelbases are now 130-inches and 148-inches, with an extended body still offered for up to 15 passenger seating. Power comes from the 3.5 liter V6 or 3.5 liter Ecoboost V6, shared with the F-150 trucks, or a new 5 cylinder 3.2 liter turbodiesel. You can also get the Transit in 3 different roof heights, and an endless number of professionally outfitted variations, like RVs, box vans, flatbeds, and work vans.
For help with service and maintanence of your truck check out the how to section of Ford-Trucks.com