Concept Car Of The Day: 1995 Ford Econoline Chicane

Sep 07, 2024

#Featured

Ford Motor Company's Econoline Chicane concept van was officially unveiled in a press release, showcasing a new twist on America's best-selling full-size van. With a striking red, white, and black paint scheme, the Chicane was designed to serve as a support vehicle for a Superbike/Grand Prix motorcycle racing team, equipped with Ford's new V-10 engine.

Andy Jacobson, design director for the Ford Commercial Truck Vehicle Center, explained that the Chicane was as functional and exciting on the inside as it was on the outside. This unique concept van made its public debut at the 1996 Chicago Auto Show, highlighting the customized design features and personalized touches that set it apart.

Named after a series of thrilling turns on a road-racing course, the Chicane celebrated Econoline's history of leadership and versatility while also showcasing the new and improved features of the 1997 Econoline series. From the captain's chairs with leather seating surfaces to the custom trimmed interior, every detail of the Chicane was carefully crafted to cater to the needs of a racing team support vehicle.

The one-of-a-kind Chicane boasted a range of functional and aesthetic features, including a new V-10 engine, electronic four-speed overdrive automatic transmission, power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes, and a bold exterior paint job. Inside, the Chicane offered a luxurious driver/passenger compartment, dual air bags, rearview video camera, and even a solar-powered hot air purge system.

Overall, the Chicane concept van exemplified the quality, durability, versatility, safety, and comfort that customers have come to expect from the Econoline series. While the Chicane never went into production, it pushed the boundaries of design and functionality, exploring new possibilities for America's favorite full-size van.