DEARBORN -- Since 1961, the time-tested Ford E-Series has been there for customers and businesses, providing smart innovations and the right equipment to get the job done. As times and the needs of customers changed, the E-Series evolved to meet them.
 
Here, a few highlights from E-Series’ storied history:
 
1961: Econoline is introduced for commercial customers with three bodystyles: Delivery Van, Pickup and Station Bus
 
1962: Club Wagon introduced as passenger and load-carrying vehicle with light towing capabilities

1963: Seat belts introduced as an option
 
1965: SuperVan (extended, bustle-back model) introduced midyear
 
1968: Second-generation Econoline vans available in three series: E-100, E-200 and E-300 (air conditioning offered for the first time)
 
1971: Econoline Parcel Delivery Van added to lineup
 
1975: Third-generation Econoline debuts with body-on-frame construction, higher gross vehicle weight ratings, improved interior package and wider selection of engines. This design was offered in the same basic configuration for the next 17 years
 
1976: Factory-customized, youth-oriented Cruising Van debuts with mod paint schemes, carpeted interior and porthole panel windows
 
1978: Econoline chassis cab model debuts
 
1981: Higher payloads appear on most models
 
1983: Super Wagon reintroduced to lineup
 
1987: E-250 eight-passenger Club Wagon added
 
1992: Fourth-generation introduced – Van and Club Wagon; Chateau Wagon is MOTOR TREND Truck of the Year
 
1995: Econoline attained leadership in virtually every aspect of the full-size van market with 48 percent share of its segment, 33 percent of the van conversion market, 90 percent of the Class C motor home conversion market, 40 percent of the parcel delivery van market (Econoline chassis), 90 percent of the ambulance market (Econoline commercial cutaway chassis) and 39 percent of the passenger van market (Club Wagon)
 
1997: New standard V6 engine offered along with the 6.8-liter V10
 
2001: E-Series name debuts in Ford literature, along with the E-150 Traveler van targeted for families
 
2005: Powertrain options now include V8, 6.0-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbo diesel and V10
 
2006: Last E-Series model produced at Lorain Assembly Plant in Ohio
 
2007: First E-Series model produced at Ohio Assembly Plant in Avon Lake
 
2008:E-Series debuts as strictly a commercial vehicle; features best-in-class capability, an improved chassis for better durability and handling, cargo security technologies and the return of the diesel engine option
 
2011: E-Series, America’s best-selling van for 31 years, celebrates its 50th anniversary by offering premium Ford-exclusive technology like SYNC®voice-activated communications and entertainment system and industry-exclusive Ford Work Solutions™. E-Series vans are available in E-150, E-250 Super Duty and E-350 Super Duty regular and extended-length configurations. Wagons are available in E-150 and E-350 Super Duty regular and E-350 Super Duty extended-length configurations