What is the old Ford van called?
The classic Ford van is most commonly known as the Ford Econoline, the original name Ford used for its early full‑size vans. In later years the same line was marketed under the E-Series badge, and the passenger version carried the Club Wagon name.
Historically, Ford launched the Econoline in the early 1960s as a compact, then full‑size van, designed for cargo and passenger use. Over the decades, the branding evolved: enthusiasts still call the vehicles “Econoline,” while official documentation and later models leaned on the E-Series designation. The passenger variant often carried the Club Wagon nickname or badge in various markets. This article traces that naming journey and what it means for collectors and fans today.
Origins and evolution of the name
Ford introduced the van line in the 1960s with the Econoline name, which quickly became the shorthand used by buyers, restorers, and enthusiasts. As Ford refreshed the line in subsequent generations, the company also adopted the E-Series branding for many of the heavier‑duty and commercial variants, while the Econoline label remained part of popular usage and collector reference.
Naming through the decades
Below is a concise tour of how Ford labeled its full‑size van over time, including the shift to the E-Series branding.
- First generation (1961–1967): Ford Econoline — the original compact/full‑size van platform.
- Second generation (1968–1974): Ford Econoline — continued as the Econoline with updated styling.
- Third generation (1975–1991): Ford Econoline — continued cultivation of the Econoline identity.
- Fourth generation (1992–1996): Ford Econoline — closer integration with E‑Series branding in official materials.
- Fifth generation (1997–2014): Ford Econoline / E-Series — badge and marketing increasingly used E-Series alongside Econoline in catalogs and dealer material.
- Transition period (mid‑2010s): Ford shifted emphasis toward Transit for new models, while E-Series continued for certain cutaway and special‑purpose vans.
In practice, owners and enthusiasts often refer to these vehicles simply as the Econoline or as the E-Series, depending on the generation and market. The Club Wagon name became the common label for the passenger variant in many regions.
Variants and what they were used for
To understand the full spectrum, it helps to distinguish the main body styles that shared the same underlying platform.
- Econoline Cargo Vans — the workhorse for freight, trades, and commercial use.
- Econoline Passenger Vans — the family and shuttle variants commonly badged as Club Wagon in many markets.
- Cutaway Vans and Specialty Conversions — chassis‑cab versions used for ambulances, RVs, school buses, and other commercial roles.
- Transition to Transit — in the global market, Ford increasingly marketed a Transit‑based van lineup, while the traditional E-Series family persisted in select configurations and regions.
These naming conventions reflect how Ford adapted the line for different markets and needs, while the cultural memory of the “Econoline” persists among collectors and old‑school fans.
Why the naming matters to collectors and enthusiasts
For restorers and vintage buyers, the distinction between Econoline and E-Series can influence parts sourcing, VIN interpretations, and historical documentation. The Club Wagon badge is a helpful clue for identifying passenger variants, while the cargo and cutaway forms follow the same root design but with different bodies and interiors. Understanding this history helps buyers assess rarity, availability of replacement parts, and authenticity in restorations.
Summary
The old Ford van is traditionally called the Ford Econoline, the line that Ford launched in the early 1960s. Over time, the branding shifted toward the E-Series in official materials, while the Club Wagon name identified the passenger version. For collectors today, the Econoline/E-Series lineage remains a key identifier for parts, documentation, and provenance, with the Transit line representing the modern evolution of Ford’s full‑size van strategy.
What is a Ford Econoline called now?
Includes Ford E-Series, formerly called Econoline, van and chassis; Club Wagon; Transit Connect cargo van and passenger wagon; Transit cargo van, passenger van and chassis. Based on total U.S. industry-reported sales (2024 CY).
What was Ford's minivan called?
The small Ford van is called the Ford Transit Connect. It is Ford's compact commercial van, available in cargo and passenger versions, and is designed for more maneuverability than the larger Transit models.
- Cargo Van: This configuration is designed for businesses and has up to 127.4 cubic feet of cargo space, making it ideal for delivery and service vehicles.
- Passenger Wagon: This version can be configured to seat up to seven passengers.
- Features: The Transit Connect shares a platform with the Focus and is known for being efficient and easier to drive in urban environments compared to its larger counterparts.
What are the old Ford vans called?
The Ford Econoline, also known as the E-Series, was first launched in 1961. It quickly became one of the most popular full-size vans in North America as its versatility allowed it to serve as everything from a cargo van to a passenger transport vehicle.
What are the Ford Van models?
Ford currently offers the full-size Transit and the compact Transit Connect, along with the electric E-Transit models. The Transit lineup includes various configurations like cargo, passenger, and chassis cab options, available in different roof heights and lengths. The Transit Connect is a more fuel-efficient option for urban use and is available as a cargo or passenger wagon.
Full-size vans
- Ford Transit: The main full-size van, available in multiple configurations for various jobs.
- Cargo Van: Designed for hauling equipment and goods.
- Passenger Van: Can seat up to 15 people.
- Crew Van: Combines cargo and passenger space.
- Chassis Cab: A base frame for customization.
- E-Transit: The all-electric version of the Transit van.
Compact vans
- Ford Transit Connect: A smaller, more fuel-efficient option ideal for city driving.
- Cargo Van: Available in XL and XLT trims.
- Passenger Wagon: Available in XL, XLT, and Titanium trims.
Historical models
- Ford E-Series: The predecessor to the modern Transit, this series includes the Econoline, which was produced from the 1960s to 2014.
- Ford Falcon Club Wagon: A passenger van variant of the Falcon car produced in the 1960s.
