Golden Anniversary, But No Gold Watch, for Ford E-Series

WATERTOWN, MASS (09/01/2010)(readMedia)-- They may be 50 years old, but Ford vans show no signs of slowing down. The 2011 model year marks the 50th consecutive year of production for the Ford E-Series. The iconic van, first sold under the Econoline name, has spent the past 31 of those years as the top-selling full-size van in the United States.

Ford's Econoline van debuted in the 1961 model year to compete with Volkswagen's bus, built for moving people, and Chevrolet's Corvair, a basic cargo van. Practical, powerful and endlessly versatile, the E-Series grew in popularity through 1980, when it captured the largest share of U.S. van sales. By 2008, Ford E-Series vans held 79% of the American van market.

According to Peter King, general manager of Greater Boston Ford dealer Watertown Ford, it's the simplicity of the E-Series that has helped it stay relevant and popular amongst consumers, contractors and corporate fleets for the past five decades.

"Very few vehicles can claim a 50-year production history. The E-series reached this milestone by delivering performance, reliability and value," King said. "Ford never chased trends with these vans, they simply kept their eye on what buyers wanted and delivered it consistently."

Modern Ford E-Series vans reflect the practicality and versatility that made 1960s models popular. The vans have grown by 20 inches in length since their first model year, and the 6.8-liter Triton V-10 available on 2011 models packs considerably more power than the inline V-6 found in the first Econolines.

Most of the style touches on Ford vans are reserved for the front end. The 1961 Econoline borrowed its snub-nose look from the Ford Falcon, and many 1960s models feature the slanted back and curved body styles that were popular at the time.

For 2011, the E-series features Ford's signature three-bar grill and the straight, commanding lines found in Explorer and F-150 designs. Cargo models have solid side panels, while transport versions add additional side windows for passengers.

Another factor in the E-Series longevity is its history of functionality. As a transport van, the E-Series can be customized with 13 seating configurations, with space for up to 15 people. As a cargo van, the E-Series offers 251.7 cubic feet of cargo space and a towing capacity of up to 10,000 pounds. An optional towing package allows the on-board braking system to coordinate with the trailer brakes for added control.

"The E-Series speaks to all the priorities of Massachusetts Ford buyers. It offers good value, performance in all kinds of weather conditions and a size that's manageable on the narrow roads of Beacon Hill and Cape Cod," King said. "The E-Series may be turning 50, but it just keeps getting better with age."

Ford plans to commemorate the Econoline's half century of service with a limited-edition 50th Anniversary Package for the E-Series XLT model. Special features include an Econoline logo embroidered on the headrests of the front captain's chairs and a commemorative badge on the back door.

About Watertown Ford:

Watertown Ford is where Greater Boston Ford lovers head for the best deals on new and used Fords. No other Massachusetts Ford dealer has the same dedication to the customer, and that dedication has earned Watertown Ford the loyalty of Ford owners all over the state. Their extensive inventory, as well as information about their premier Ford dealership, can be viewed online at www.watertownford.com. You can also reach them by phone at 800-584-6486 or visit their showroom at 625 Pleasant St. in Watertown, MA, just minutes from Boston.