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Did Ford make a panel van?

Yes, Ford did produce a panel van model at various points throughout its history. The Ford panel van was a cargo-focused vehicle that lacked side windows and had a solid metal body, providing a large, enclosed space for transporting goods and equipment.


The Ford Panel Van


Ford's panel van models were designed primarily for commercial and industrial use, offering a practical and versatile solution for businesses and tradespeople who needed to transport bulky or large items. These vehicles were characterized by their boxy, utilitarian design, with a focus on maximizing interior cargo space rather than passenger comfort or aesthetics.


Ford Panel Van Models


Ford produced panel van variants of several of its popular models over the years, including:



  • Ford Model T Panel Delivery (1910s-1920s)

  • Ford Model A Panel Delivery (1920s-1930s)

  • Ford Econoline Panel Van (1960s-1970s)

  • Ford E-Series Panel Van (1970s-2010s)


These panel van models were often used for a variety of commercial applications, such as delivery services, tradesmen's work vehicles, and mobile workshops. They provided a practical and cost-effective solution for businesses that needed to transport large or bulky items without the need for passenger seating.


Decline of the Panel Van


As the automotive industry evolved, the demand for traditional panel vans declined, and Ford eventually phased out the production of these models. The rise of more versatile cargo van and SUV options, as well as changes in consumer preferences and regulations, contributed to the gradual disappearance of the panel van from Ford's lineup.


While Ford no longer produces a dedicated panel van model, the company's current commercial vehicle offerings, such as the Transit and E-Series cargo vans, continue to provide similar functionality and cargo-carrying capabilities for businesses and tradespeople.

What were the old Ford vans called?


Ford Econoline
The Ford E-Series (also known as the Ford Econoline, Ford Econovan or Ford Club Wagon) is a range of full-size vans manufactured and marketed by the Ford Motor Company. Introduced for 1961 as the replacement of the Ford F-Series panel van, four generations of the model line have been produced.



What is the difference between a box truck and a panel truck?


A box truck generally has a front cabin area that is separate from the cargo space just like a heavy goods vehicle. The cargo area is a square or cuboid shape. A panel van is generally a little smaller where the driving with a self-contained driving area that is connected to the storage compartment.



What years did Ford make panel trucks?


Panel truck versions of the Suburban were made until 1973. Ford made panel truck versions of their pickup trucks until 1960.



How many Ford Cobras exist?


The Shelby Cobra is perhaps the World's most iconic and thus copied car. Less than 1000 original Ford AC Cobras were built by Carroll Shelby. Tens of Thousands of copies of the original 289 and 427 AC Cobras exist with most of them being "kit cars" copies.



Did Ford make a Cobra panel van?


It's a shame they never did a factory plated Cobra Panelvan though. In fact, I'd say that that was a marketing error...



What is the nickname for the Ford panel van?


Sundowners
Ford panel vans (known briefly as Sundowners) were also popular, to a lesser degree. Chrysler also came to the party in 1976, offering a CL model Valiant panel van dubbed the Chrysler Drifter, but these could not compete with the popularity of Ford and particularly Holden, and were axed in 1978.



What is the difference between a box van and a panel van?


A box van has a straight, clearly defined side, floor and roof which make it more suitable if you want to include racks or shelving. There is usually more room to stand and move about inside the storage area. A panel van often has a curved roof which can restrict the amount that can be loaded.



When did Ford stop making panel vans?


1999
Ford was the last manufacturer of Australian panel vans, until production of the XH Falcon, ceased in 1999.



When was the last Ford panel van made?


1999
Ford was the last manufacturer of Australian panel vans, until production of the XH Falcon, ceased in 1999.



Is a Ford Transit a panel van?


Yes, the standard Ford Transit is a panel van, some other popular standard sized vans include the VW Transporter panel van. Both the VW panel van and Ford Transit panel van have stood the test of time; therefore, they are up there with the most popular panel vans out on the road, particularly favoured by tradesmen.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.