Ace of Base: 2021 Ford E-Series Cutaway

Matthew Guy
by Matthew Guy

No, despite appearances, we haven’t taken complete leave of our senses. At least not until our road tester starts telling us in excruciating detail about how he wants to see the Genesis reunion later this year.

On the pickup truck side of Ford’s showroom, the cheapest way into a rig powered by the burly 7.3-liter V8 is via an Ace of Base F-250. That vehicle bears a price of $33,705 plus $2,045 for the hairy-chested eight-pot. The E-Series starts at just $33,265 … and carries the 7.3L as standard equipment.

Yes, there is the small matter of there not being any sheet metal aft of the driver’s compartment. Surely you’re handy with the welder and a pair of tin snips, right?

Joking aside, it’s telling that the E-Series (née Econoline) is no longer offered as a panel van, indicating that the Glass House has gone all-in on the Transit as their option for commercial van customers. Note well: the E-Series isn’t worthy of the brand’s 10-speed automatic, making do with a six-cog box. The mighty 7.3L V8 still makes 468 lb-ft of torque but is detuned slightly to 350 horsepower compared to the Super Duty’s 430 ponies.

Surprisingly, the bean counters at Ford looked under some couch cushions and found a bit of change to give the E-Series its first interior restyle since the Jurassic era. Its steering wheel is now taken from a modern F-150 and not a truck from the ‘90s. Those all-important gauges are F-150-sourced as well, bringing a modern look to a rig that’s used the same dials for eons. Two other observations: those HVAC controls are the same ones found in my father’s 1995 Aerostar and that radio (you can’t call it infotainment) seems to show up in precisely zero other North American Ford products.

Air conditioning is standard equipment, which is a good thing because so are vinyl bucket seats. The floor is covered in hose-it-out material, as well. Perhaps surprisingly, one will find a tilt/telescope steering wheel (no cruise, though) and a pair of USB ports. That chrome bumper shown above is optional, too.

Are we odd for profiling this half-a-van in today’s Ace of Base? Are all the F1 teams sulky at Ferrari right now? Does our editor love Fox-bodied Mustangs? The answer to all these questions is a resounding “yes.” However, it amuses your author greatly that the lowly E-Series packs a 7.3L V8 as standard kit … even if it’s a bit breezy around back.

[Images: Ford]

Not every base model has aced it. The ones which have? They help make the automotive landscape a lot better. Any others you can think of, B&B? Let us know in the comments and feel free to eviscerate our selections.

The model above is shown with American options and priced in American Dollars. Your dealer may sell for less.

Matthew Guy
Matthew Guy

Matthew buys, sells, fixes, & races cars. As a human index of auto & auction knowledge, he is fond of making money and offering loud opinions.

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  • MiataReallyIsTheAnswer MiataReallyIsTheAnswer on Mar 05, 2020

    Am I the only one who cringes when an author uses "kit" in place of "equipment" in the same way I cringe when a mommy blogger says "hubby" ??

  • Forward_look Forward_look on Mar 06, 2020

    I have several relatives who live in the People's Democratic Republic of California and this is a subject best not brought up in conversation.

  • Peter Buying an EV from Toyota is like buying a Bible from Donald Trump. Don’t be surprised if some very important parts are left out.
  • Sheila I have a 2016 Kia Sorento that just threw a rod out of the engine case. Filed a claim for new engine and was denied…..due to a loop hole that was included in the Class Action Engine Settlement so Hyundai and Kia would be able to deny a large percentage of cars with prematurely failed engines. It’s called the KSDS Improvement Campaign. Ever hear of such a thing? It’s not even a Recall, although they know these engines are very dangerous. As unknowing consumers load themselves and kids in them everyday. Are their any new Class Action Lawsuits that anyone knows of?
  • Alan Well, it will take 30 years to fix Nissan up after the Renault Alliance reduced Nissan to a paltry mess.I think Nissan will eventually improve.
  • Alan This will be overpriced for what it offers.I think the "Western" auto manufacturers rip off the consumer with the Thai and Chinese made vehicles.A Chinese made Model 3 in Australia is over $70k AUD(for 1995 $45k USD) which is far more expensive than a similar Chinesium EV of equal or better quality and loaded with goodies.Chinese pickups are $20k to $30k cheaper than Thai built pickups from Ford and the Japanese brands. Who's ripping who off?
  • Alan Years ago Jack Baruth held a "competition" for a piece from the B&B on the oddest pickup story (or something like that). I think 5 people were awarded the prizes.I never received mine, something about being in Australia. If TTAC is global how do you offer prizes to those overseas or are we omitted on the sly from competing?In the end I lost significant respect for Baruth.
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