Ford Econoline

Ford Motor Company Introduced pickup truck as part of the Econoline model line for 1961, the Ford Econoline pickup truck was based upon the cargo van. Sharing the forward-control configuration of the Chevrolet Corvair pickup, through its mid-engine chassis, the Econoline pickup truck saw no engine intrusion into the cargo bed. In 1965, with the offering of the larger 240 cubic-inch engine there was a slight intrusion into the cargo bed providing clearance for the larger transmission bellhousing. The Econoline pickup was offered in two window configurations: 3 windows and 5 windows with windows in the rear cab corners to provide better visibility. Early in 1965 the Econoline pickup was offered as a Spring Special with a special trim package. While far shorter than an F-100, the pickup was configured with a seven-foot long cargo bed.

The Econoline pickup was produced only during the first generation of production and ended the production after the 1967 year. In 1961, Ford projected the pickup leading the van in sales; however, buyer preferences weighed heavily towards the van configuration. The pickup accounted for 1/3 of 1961 Econoline production.