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What is a Ford E-350?
By Product Expert | Posted in FAQs, Ford on Thursday, October 8th, 2020 at 11:09 pm
Ford E-Series Explanation and History
You may have recently found yourself checking out a big Ford vehicle parked on the side of the road, and looked closer to see what impressive member of the F-Series was being driven here. You may have been surprised to see not on “F” before the number on the side, but an “E”.
What’s the deal? Did the person owning the van simply partake in some strange emblem customization? Is this a new electric Ford work truck variation?
Actually, this vehicle is member of the (slightly) lesser-known Ford E-Series. What is the Ford E-Series?
The Ford E-Series, also known as the Ford Econoline and Ford Club Wagon at various times in its production, was a line of full-size vans. The E-Series was originally introduced for the 1961 model year as a replacement for the Ford F-Series panel van. It’s currently in its fourth generation.
Does Ford still make the E-Series?
After the 2014 model year, the E-Series cargo and passenger vans were discontinued and replaced by the fourth-generation Ford Transit. The E-Series is still offered as a cutaway van chassis and as a stripped chassis (a chassis without bodywork).
From 1980 until its van-discontinuation in 2014, the Ford E-Series was the best-selling full-size van in the United States, holding a nearly 80% share of its market segment. Its 60-year production run put it second only to the F-Series in terms of longevity of Ford models.
Have you heard about the upcoming 2021 Ford Bronco?
Future of the E-Series
Initially, the E-Series was only planned to continue in production until the end of the 2010s. However, Ford has extended the life of the model into its sixth decade; a revised 2021 model line has been unveiled.
Currently, the E-Series is produced as an incomplete vehicle intended for second-stage manufacturers. The revised model was blessed with multiple mechanical and functional updates.
Did you know?
In his songs “Tonight’s the Night” and “Tonight’s the Night (Part II)” (from the album of the same name), Neil Young references the Ford E-Series with the line, “He used to load that Econoline van.” The “he” in this instance is Bruce Barry, a roadie who worked for Young and his band before dying from a drug overdose. The album is in part a homage to Barry.
