Ford econoline

A Texas Ford Econoline Adventure Van Build

The Ford Econoline was introduced in the fall of 1960 as the 1961 model year. Since then, over 6 million minivans have been produced, which were sold mainly in North America. In the 60s in the States, the large-scale production of Ford E-series rear-wheel minibuses was gaining momentum; these full-size vans were already approaching in terms of comfort in the cabin and equipment for the driver's seat to the cars of that time.

Since 1976, with the beginning of the release of the new Ford Econoline E-series cargo-and-passenger utility models, chassis elements, engines and transmissions, similar to the off-road and pick-up F series, began to be used.

Over time, despite numerous upgrades, Econoline looked quite utilitarian. Therefore, in 1992, a new range of comfortable 7, 8, 12 and 15-seat all-metal minibuses and four-door vans with a body mounted on a massive spar frame with independent front and traditional rear suspension springs appeared on the automotive market.

Updated and interior. The shapes of the previously angular instrument panel and chest of drawers console became smoother. The standard package includes airbags and height-adjustable seat belts for the driver and front passenger. But what is especially valuable, Ford specialists have kept the best of past generations. For example, double wing side doors with external hinges. However, the side doors can be sliding.

A wide, spacious cabin with a bright finish allows passengers to move inside completely. Two units to create a microclimate - create a volume ventilation, air conditioning, heating the cabin. If necessary, a sofa of 175x173cm is laid out, which also does not interfere with other passengers. Spacious luggage compartment adds positive emotions to the owner of such a car.

Cars were equipped with automatic 4-range transmissions, and mechanical 5-speed gearboxes were installed only on order, although in the mid-80s this was standard on diesel engines.

The last generation Ford Econoline since 1992 is presented in three series - E-150, E-250 and E-350 with the same wheelbase of 3505 mm (useful volume of 7.38 m³). In addition, there are elongated versions with a 4470-mm wheelbase (net volume of 8.5 m³).

Load capacity variants of the E series range from 429 to 1970 kg. Overall length and height - 5382 and 2050 mm (Е-150) or 5890 and 2118 mm (Е-250), the width of all models, of course, is the same - 2014 mm.

On these cars are installed voracious gasoline engines. There are four of them: 4.9 l / 150 hp, 5.0 l / 195 hp, 5.8 l / 210 hp, 7.5 l / 245 hp The last three are V-shaped "eights" that consume at least 14 l / 100 km in the city.

In 1995, the range of these engines changed the engines of the Triton family: V6 - 4.2 l / 203 hp; custom V8 with two camshafts in each cylinder head - 4.6 l / 223 hp and 5.4 l / 238 hp, as well as for the first time in the world V10 - 6.8 l capacity of 268 hp (with him, acceleration to a hundred does not exceed 10 s, and the manufacturer limited the maximum speed to 160 km / h).

Consider the Ford Econoline 150 Club Wagon, a full-size luxury van from around the early 90s. The basis for this car served as a rear-wheel drive Ford Econoline with a six-cylinder petrol 4.9-liter engine and an automatic transmission. This car is available in a variety of options, including as a delivery van, collector car and even as a luxury "house" on wheels. We will consider the last option.

You can move inside the car absolutely free. In order to get to the place of the driver or front passenger will have to use the step. The tapestry-trimmed interior is decorated almost everywhere with wooden panels. It is worth noting the presence of original lamps, which remind a little of car ceiling lighting to which we are accustomed.

The middle row seats are equipped with seat belts and can be adjusted to the angle of the backrest and in the longitudinal direction. But the third row, which also has seat belts, is a chic leather sofa that can also be folded.

On the side, near the left seat of the middle row, in the wall - an audio system with an amplifier. And on top, above the driver and front passenger - a TV, VCR and TV tuner. In addition, there is also a car stereo and a CD changer.

As befits an “American”, in addition to the obligatory coasters, Econoline offers a variety of options: power steering, automatic transmission, electric windows, air conditioning, etc.

The power unit installed on the frame does not “communicate” with the body at all, because it is also installed on the frame through its “cushions”, so the designers didn’t have much to do with noise and vibration isolation. The cabin does not feel any vibration or noise.

The excellent work of the booster allows you to twist with one finger, and quite quickly and without putting any effort at all.

Such cars, in luxury versions and with a non-standard number of seats, are usually made for a specific order, and you will not meet them in free sale. Moreover, such machines are not even being created in factory workshops, but in specialized workshops. That is why to meet two completely identical is simply unrealistic. Each car is created taking into account the wishes of a particular customer.

The Ford concern in 2007 or 2008 could bring to the market a new van that will replace the Econoline and Transit. The company plans to create a new model of the van, which will be sold both in the US market and in Europe. This will help reduce production costs and increase sales. A new platform with the code name V349 has already been created.