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Picture this: a vast African savanna, endless skies, and the rumble of a beast on four wheels tearing through the terrain like it owns the place. This isn’t just any vehicle, mind you—it’s a 1970 Ford Econoline Kilimanjaro, Ford’s wild attempt to fuse the utilitarian sensibility of a van with the rugged ambitions of an African safari cruiser. The result? A towering, leopard-skin-wrapped, roof-racked brute that’s all business when it comes to survival, but with a flare for the dramatic that wouldn’t look out of place at a rock concert.
Ford’s so-called “Super Van” doesn’t just offer a wild alternative to the average Land Rover; it storms past it, flaunting modifications that make even the stoutest safari truck seem a bit tame. This four-wheel-drive contraption is a full-on adventure wagon, kitted out to handle everything from swampy jungles to sun-scorched plains, loaded with survival essentials—and, crucially, space for rifles, ammunition, and a two-way radio. After all, who wants to hit the wilderness without looking like the protagonist of an epic ‘70s nature documentary?
The Look: Leopard Spots and Bush Beige
Let’s get this out of the way: the Econoline Kilimanjaro isn’t exactly subtle. This is a van with leopard skin print. Ford wrapped a solid 15-inch-wide band of it around the vehicle’s beige exterior, because, well, it’s the ‘70s, and subtlety was for people without spotlights mounted on their roofs. And that’s not a figure of speech: the Kilimanjaro literally has spotlights in containers above the windshield, a setup that’ll let you sweep the bush for game—or perhaps just the nearest zebra crossing.
Further setting the tone for adventure, this beast is built up with a new front end featuring large, rectangular headlamp casings, chunky extended bumpers, and fittings for water cans, just in case you need to hydrate while barreling through the wilderness. And while some people might wince at a snorkel on an SUV, the Kilimanjaro’s vertical air intake snorkel is a no-nonsense design choice here, enabling it to wade through swampy waters without choking on the fumes.
Inside the Lion's Den
Opening the door of the Kilimanjaro feels a bit like stepping into a sun-drenched tent on the plains of the Serengeti. Six bucket seats wrapped in a rugged ginger-colored vinyl make up the seating plan, allowing passengers to perch comfortably while you rumble across the backcountry. This van isn’t aiming for plush—it’s aiming for resilient. The entire floor is decked out in ginger-colored, weather-resistant carpeting that Ford has designed to withstand the mud, dust, and, let’s face it, general chaos that comes with true off-roading.
The rear doors are a different sort of story. They’re armed with gun racks and ammunition storage spaces, turning the back of this van into a rolling armory. And that two-way radio up front? It’s more than a nod to practicality. It’s a lifeline for any would-be explorer, giving the Kilimanjaro yet another layer of safari-ready grit.
Built to Dominate: Tires, Roof Decks, and More
Underneath it all, the Kilimanjaro rides on a set of Firestone FR 55 x 15 Snow-Sport Suburbans, specially built for super traction on rough terrain. These chunky tires, along with the van’s four-wheel drive, mean it won’t flinch when it comes to navigating dirt paths, bumpy trails, or even the odd marshy jungle if the situation demands it.
But Ford didn’t stop there. There’s a built-in footstep on the side that leads to the roof—yes, the roof. Why, you ask? Because atop this beast is a full observation deck, perfect for taking in sweeping views of the African horizon or just getting that extra bit of height to spot elusive wildlife.
And then there’s that wonderfully odd below-the-floor storage panel. Cleverly accessed via an outside panel on the driver’s side, it’s a hidden compartment meant for rifles, keeping them both safe and accessible. It’s practical, it’s tucked out of sight, and, most importantly, it makes you feel like a bonafide explorer on a mission.
Final Thoughts: A Van with Wild Ambitions
Look, the 1970 Ford Econoline Kilimanjaro isn’t for everyone. It’s not aiming to be the fastest, or the most comfortable, or even the most fuel-efficient. It’s a rolling statement, a bravado-filled expedition van that seems custom-built for anyone who’s ever dreamed of disappearing into the wild with little more than a map and a sense of adventure. This isn’t a daily driver; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle.
So, does the Kilimanjaro make sense? Not exactly. But that’s why it’s unforgettable. It’s the supercharged safari sidekick you never knew you wanted, and it’s proof that sometimes, when you go wild, you go all-in. This is a vehicle designed to stand out, to tackle the toughest terrains, and to bring a bit of showbiz to the safari.
