Story of the Week

The Ford Econoline Truck

By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher 

In 1961, the Ford Motor Company introduced it’s full-size Econoline truck. The range of models offered superior styling and became very popular with the consumer truck market. 

The first generation of the Ford Econoline trucks were introduced to the public on September 21, 1960, for the 1961 model year. Ford’s new compact truck line was an immediate success. Many companies purchased Ford Econoline trucks for their delivery services. The Econoline fleet delivery vans became America’s foremost automotive innovation of 1961, enjoyed for their driving performance. 

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This Week's Story

12th annual Michigan Auto Heritage Day celeb 

Special thanks to 15 of our partner museums or attractions around the state, who offered special discounts or giveaways from October 9-12 in celebration of Michigan Auto Heritage Day. They included the following:

• Detroit Historical Museum;
• Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores;
• Ford Piquette Plant Museum in Detroit;
• Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners;
• The Henry Ford in Dearborn's Rouge Factory Tour;
• Meadow Brook Hall in Rochester;
• Michigan Firehouse Museum in Ypsilanti;
• Michigan Flight Museum in Belleville;
• Michigan Military Technical & Historical Society in Eastpointe;
• Plymouth Historical Museum;
• Pontiac Transportation Museum;
• R.E. Olds Transportation Museum in Lansing;
• Roush Automotive Collection in Livonia;
• Sloan Museum of Discovery in Flint;
• Stahls Motor and Music Experience in Chesterfield Township. 

Pictured below participants enjoyed the make-and-take activity at the R.E. Olds Transportation Musuem in Lansing.

Have a story of Your Experiences in the Automotive Industry or Involvement in the Labor Movement? Click the Image Above to Share Your Story for Our Nation's 250th Birthday!

This Week in Auto Heritage 

On October 26, 1909, the General Motors board of directors gave founder William C. "Billy" Durant the authority to purchase Ford Motor Company on the condition that financing could be arranged for the transaction.

At a meeting in New York City earlier in the month, Durant convinced Henry Ford and his Vice President and General Manager James Couzens (pictured above on the left w/Henry Ford) to sell the company, but Ford had a unique set of conditions. The total cost to GM would be $8 million, with $2 million coming in the form of GM stock, an additional $2 million cash up front and the balance paid over three years with 5 percent interest.

Unfortunately for Durant, his GM strategy of growth by acquiring smaller promising car makers had left the company short of cash, and his go-to bank in New York turned down his request. Durant was forced to go back to Ford and tell him the sale could not be completed.

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Did You Know? 

The MotorCities National Heritage Area's current Strategic Plan is available to read on our website here.

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Events Coming to the MotorCities 

Wednesday: Trunk or Treat 

Tomorrow from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Gilmore Car Museum 

Kids can trick or treat this Halloween in a safe and fun environment! We'll combine cars with good old fashioned spooky fun. This event is FREE ($5 donation suggested) and will run like a typical Cruise-In. Trunk or treaters do NOT need to RSVP to the event and will enjoy donuts & cider and Halloween music. In addition, George & Sally's Blue Moon Diner and the Gilmore Bar will be open.  

For more information, click here.

Saturday, October 25: Trunk (Or Is It Tank?) or Treat 

This Saturday from 5-7 PM the Michigan Michigan Military Technical & Historical Society in Eastpointe hosts Trunk or Treat in the parking lot, while other Halloween events take place inside the Museum. Enjoy beverages and snacks! Bring your car, decorate your trunk and have some fun! Sign up to be a "trunk sponsor" by contacting [email protected]. 

For more information, click here.

Sunday: Treats in the Streets 

Detroit Historical Musuem hosts "Treats in the Streets" on October 26th from 2:30-5 PM

Assemble your heroes, heroines, and sidekicks for a FREE, action-packed adventure where kids can trick-or-treat through The Streets of Old Detroit. ZOWIE! Capes, masks, and costumes are highly encouraged-this is your chance to POWER UP, STRIKE A HEROIC POSE, and SAVE THE DAY while enjoying a safe, festive, and family-friendly Halloween celebration right in the heart of Detroit!  

For more information, click here.