Earlier than Transit Path, Ford Had The Funky Econoline Kilimanjaro Idea

Ford simply unveiled the Transit Path as a van with overlanding in thoughts, together with normal options like all-wheel drive, a lifted trip peak, and all-terrain tires. Whereas this mannequin is new, the thought just isn’t. The 1970 Econoline Kilimanjaro idea was a kitschy interpretation of a rig for off-road adventures.

We requested the Ford Archives for extra particulars concerning the Kilimanjaro van, and it was in a position to get us an authentic press launch (see gallery under). Dated November 11, 1969, the doc describes the automobile as “a rugged and spacious four-wheel-drive automobile designed to maneuver by swampy jungles or desert sands carrying hunters, rifles, ammunition and a two-way radio.”

Oddly, the discharge makes no point out of the van’s coolest function. Massive panels on the rear open to show a portion of the perimeters and roof. Whereas this appears good for getting a superb have a look at nature, the reference to carrying hunters, rifles, and ammunition makes us marvel if the precise intention is as a taking pictures platform.

At the least the motive force’s aspect has a ladder built-in into the physique. An individual might use it to climb up the automobile to entry the full-sized spare tire on the roof.

The discharge describes the van’s colour as “bush jacket beige.” Plus, a large Leopard-print stripe wraps round the entire physique. Whether or not or not this mix seems good is subjective, however it actually makes an announcement.

A modified bumper holds a pair of gasoline cans, which does not appear to be the most secure location for them in a front-end collision. There are additionally two spotlights.

The van rides on Firestone-branded tires with a really chunky tread sample.

Sadly, we do not know any extra concerning the Kilimanjaro idea. A Chicago Auto Present web page signifies the van was on show there, presumably in 1970.

The Ford Archives additionally despatched us a scanned article from the January-February 1974 situation of Ford Vendor Journal (above). Jerome-Duncan Ford in Sterling Heights, Michigan, held a particular occasion to spur RV gross sales in September 1973. As a part of the promotion, the Kilimanjaro idea was on show within the showroom. A Baja Bronco was there, too.

Sadly, the article did not specify whether or not Jerome-Duncan Ford owned the Kilimanjaro idea, borrowed it from Ford, or received the van from a 3rd celebration. The story is not less than a affirmation of the automobile surviving till 1973.

If every other particulars concerning the Kilimanjaro idea, particularly its destiny at present, tell us within the feedback.