Additional Information
Making its appearance during the 1968 calendar year was the second-generation Ford Econoline. Completely reformulated, the new E-series family was offered in three GVW ranges: E-100, E-200, and E-300 maximum rated at 4,500, 5,400 and 7,600 pounds respectively. The new models were also reproportioned with the front wheels positioned ahead of the step wells and the engine located forward and to the right of its former position. A snub nosed hood was provided to facilitate maintenance and the front compartment engine "doghouse" intrusion reduced. Two wheelbases were now offered, the Regular's 105.5-inch and the SuperVan's 123.5-inch. The foremost chassis feature of the new Econoline was the Twin-I-Beam front suspension complete with wide-track axles while the most significant powertrain advancement was the availability of an RPO V-8 engine - the new 302-cubic inch derivative of the 289. Missing from the selection of body types, which now incorporated curved side glass and one piece side panels (there was no longer a SuperVan bustle back), were the 8-door and Panel Vans and the Pickup. A revision in nomenclature took the Club Wagons out of the falcon car line and designated high-series models Chateau.
Originally scheduled as 1968s and assigned part numbers accordingly, the new E-Series were delayed several months by the U.A.W. strike of 1967 and declared 1969 models when introduced the following winter. As a result, there were no 1968 Econolines per se; however, the second generation has been described and depicted in this chapter since it was originally intended for this model year and sold during its latter months. (Source; Ford Trucks since 1905 by James K. Wagner)
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