“Oooh, a Ford van, how exciting!” Said very, very few people, if anyone, ever. Well, it’s all about context, isn’t it? In its native land, this old Club Wagon would probably not warrant much of a second look, aside from its very decent condition. And over here, on the Kanto Plane of existence, it would also be pretty hard to notice, given the local affection for Chevy 20s and Dodge Rams of a similar shape and model year.
But that’s just it: this is a Ford, which makes this a genuine rarity here. I’ve written it before, but it bears repeating: Japan is the only market that Ford really failed to crack. And it wasn’t that they did not try: they were assembling Fords in Yokohama back in 1930 – way before any other foreign carmaker. In the ‘60s, they tried selling British and German Fords, with little to show for it. They almost took over Mazda in the ‘90s, which definitely put Ford on the local map, but it fizzled out eventually.
That goes for the 3rd gen (1975-91) Econoline / E-Series vans. American vans have a very dedicated (if somewhat puzzling) following here: it’s almost impossible not to encounter Astros and G20 Chevys, as well as 2nd gen Rams, on a daily basis. Ford vans, which to my untrained eye seem quite similar to the other two in every way, are extremely rare by contrast. I think I’ve seen a grand total of three of this 3rd generation here in five years, but multiple dozens of the other two.
The Big Three vans of the ‘70s/‘80s were pretty much identical in every respect – big V8-powered RWD machines, about as close to an elongated cube as possible, with a semi cab-over design and many trim options, from the most basic of Plane Janes to an all-mod-con living room on wheels. One thing that did set the Ford apart was its body-on-frame construction. Was this seen as a significant feature?
So if all vans were created equal, massively favouring GM and Chrysler over Ford has to be down to other factors than the vehicles’ intrinsic qualities. I’m guessing Ford never bothered to offer these on the Japanese market, while Chrysler and GM offered theirs, but I have no hard proof (in the form of a bunch of Japanese market brochures from all three carmakers from circa 1975 through to 1990) to back this up.
Or perhaps Ford did offer these and very few Japanese punters bought them. In which case, one has to wonder why Sure, it’s completely unsuited to local streets and very thirsty, but clearly some people here do not mind that at all. Riddle me this enigma, CCompadres.
Related posts:
Curbside Classic: 1989 Ford Club Wagon – In Life, Hope Springs Eternal, by Jason Shafer
CC Outtake: Ford Econoline Tow Rig, by David Saunders
CC Outtake: 1976 Ford Club Wagon 4×4 High-Roof – Ready For Anything, by PN
COAL: 1988 Ford Diesel Van – A Killer Van Or Big Ugly Number Two, by JunkHarvester
COAL: 1986 Ford Van- The Big Ugly, by JunkHarvester
One big correction, Ford was the only BOF van from this era. Chrysler never had a BOF van and GM didn’t put a frame under their vans until the 1996 Express and Savana. Yes even the cutaway/motorhome chassis were unibody in those years.
Thanks for catching that!
I’ve amended the text.
“Oooh, a Ford van, how exciting!” I will be the guy to say this, and completely without irony.
In the U.S., these Fords were the most refined and car-like of the bunch, and were (I believe) the biggest sellers. Their lack of representation in Japan is puzzling indeed.
Also, this may be the highest trim XL version I have ever seen.
Shortly after this generation was introduced Ford pulled ahead in Van sales and the Econoline/E-Series held that title until the Transit was introduced. In many years they had over 50% market share for full size vans.
Back in 81 the XL was the middle trim more or less today’s Lariat and it included things like two tone paint and extra bright work. Same for the pickups of that era.
That thing really belies its age!! Nice!
You mention Ford with Mazda in the 90’s. Working at a Mazda and Volvo store now and for the past 8 years, I know a little of the back side story on this. Not saying it’s 100% accurate, but not much is said about this and I’m piecing things together.
The problem with the Ford having owned a slight majority in Mazda was that Mazda didn’t want to take Fords direction. One thing I’ve found in working with Honda (12.5 years in total) and now Mazda (8 years in total) is that the Japanese have their way or no way. They think that they make the best products. They have the best ideas, etc. So the Ford/Mazda mix was kind of like oil and water. They parted ways and now (sadly) Mazda is fully in bed with Toyota. That alone will keep me from every buying one. However, it’s probably a better match since they are both Japanese companies with the same ways.
Excellent find. IMO, along with the ’79 Mustang, and ’78 Fairmont, one of Ford’s (few) better ideas of the 1970s.
I am very partial to the original round sealed beam headlight versions.
You’re right – I’ve seen maybe two of these in 30 years but run into Gen 1 Astros and Dodge Vans frequently. I still can’t get the Japanese obsession with the Astro – i really need to stop and ask.an owner one of these days.
I remember advertising from that era that pointed out that the Ford vans were different because their engines were positioned further forward, so there was less engine intrusion into the passenger compartment, compared to the Dodge and GM vans.
Because of the extra room from the longer nose and shorter doghouse Ford offered 4 on the floor for some model years . I’ve seen photos but not in person, also I think it was only available with the 300 I-6 and not with a V8.
Speaking for myself, I would say “Oooo, Ford van!” I like this gen Ford van alot and even drove them at work for a while. Very functional and reasonably comfortable for what they are.
One correction: I believe “cab over” refers to a design that has the cab over the front axle, like the first gen vans or a VW. These are more of a conventional cab with a hood and engine in front of the passengers. The Ford’s hood is quite long for a van, giving it a very distinctive look, especially back when they were new.
A good looking truck IMO .
I’m not much of a van lover, I’ve had a few and they did work well .
The C.O.L.A. bought one of these for Area II crew moving, it was the Club Wagon with dual AC (nice in So. Cal’s blistering Summers) and a carburated 460CI V-ate .
My boss used to talk the smack about how powerful it was so _one_ time I opened it up and he went _very_ quiet .
-Nate
My buddy bought a brand new Ford 150 cargo van that had a 351cid mated to the 4spd floor shift. 4th gear was overdrive, the other gears were the same as a 3spd manual.