Ford E-Series celebrates 50 years with a special edition

Filed under: Classics, Minivan/Van, Work, Ford

Ford Econoline

Ford celebrates 50 years of Econoline – Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford is celebrating the fact that its Econoline vans have been on the job for a full 50 years. The Blue Oval’s plucky little work horses hit the scene in 1961 with a total of three different body styles. Originally drafted for commercial duty only, Ford quickly realized that families love vans as much as plumbers, and began churning out consumer-oriented, family-friendly versions, as well. Since then, the Econoline (known in recent years simply as the E-Series) has gone on to become the best-selling full-size van in the United States for 31 years straight. Not too shabby.

By way of marking the occasion, Ford has decided to roll out a special-edition E-Series. Packed to the gills with the XLT package, the van will come dipped in a unique metallic blue paint and will wear seats embroidered with a new “Econoline 50 Years” logo. So far, there’s no word on how much that kind of kit will set you back, though we can’t imagine it being too much more than the $33,455 Ford asks for the E-150 XLT Premium. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Gallery: Ford Celebrates 50 Years of Econoline

[Source: Ford]

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Ford E-Series celebrates 50 years with a special edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Sep 2010 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ken Block reveals possible Fiesta special edition collaboration with Ford in the works

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Hatchback, Ford

Ken Block Gymkhana 3 Fiesta – Click above for high-res image gallery

Ken Block isn’t a World Rally Championship legend by any stretch, but thanks to his immensely entertaining Gymkhana videos, the glorified shoemaker can definitely lay claim to the title of YouTube Legend. And with Ford working the Internets hard during the launches of its new products like the Fiesta and Explorer, it made total sense that Ford would want to partner with the new media star.

The duo of Fiesta and Ken Block is less than a year old, but already there are some rumblings that Block edition Fiesta could be in the works. How about a DC Shoes edition Fiesta? In a recent radio interview with KROQ, Block was asked if there was a KB Fiesta on the way, and he responded with “we’re discussing those types of things but there’s nothing set in stone at this point.” Block went on to add that for now, he wants to concentrate on racing and developing new competition cars.

So, no definitive news on the Ken Block edition Fiesta front, but the two parties are at least thinking about a special model. We can’t see how this is a bad idea, considering that 30 million potential car buyers waiting patiently for Gymkhana 3 – we couldn’t think of a better way to announce a special edition Fiesta than by starring in another Block-buster internet flick (sorry, we couldn’t resist). Head over to the KROQ website to listen to the interview. Hat tip to Joe B!

Gallery: Ken Block Gymkhana 3 Ford Fiesta

[Source: KROQ]

Ken Block reveals possible Fiesta special edition collaboration with Ford in the works originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Happy Birthdays: Chopard celebrates Alfa Romeo with special line of timepieces

Filed under: Etc., Alfa Romeo, Design/Style

Chopard GT XL Chrono Alfa Romeo (above) and table clock (below right) – Click either image for high-res image gallery

In a field of automotive-inspired wristwatches, one marque stands above the rest as the connoisseur’s choice: Chopard. From its ongoing sponsorship and participation in the annual Mille Miglia revival rally to exquisite timepieces like the LUC Engine One Tourbillon, Chopard’s made a name for itself among lovers of classic cars. And this year they celebrate their 150th anniversary, conveniently in the same year as Alfa Romeo marks their 100th.

To celebrate, Chopard has rolled out not just a single model, but a whole line of timepieces honoring Alfa Romeo. The range includes the Gran Turismo XL Alfa Romeo and the GT XL Chono Alfa Romeo (available in either stainless steel of carbon-coated steel), both of which feature COSC-certified in-house automatic movements, 46-hour power reserve, anti-reflective sapphire crystal, 44mm cases and Chopard’s signature vintage Dunlop-inspired rubber straps. Only 500 of each of the three variants will be offered, along with a table clock in PVD-coated steel and a black leather, red-stitched case, and an additional travel alarm clock.

All in all, not a bad way to celebrate a birthday. Read about ’em in the press release after the jump and take a closer look in the gallery below.

Gallery: Chopard for Alfa Romeo

[Source: Chopard]

Continue reading Happy Birthdays: Chopard celebrates Alfa Romeo with special line of timepieces

Happy Birthdays: Chopard celebrates Alfa Romeo with special line of timepieces originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Jul 2010 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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