The Sundowner Vans
Australia went through a panel van craze during the 70's (although for some its still going on.) Ford, Holden and Chrysler all had their own versions of the "Recreational Panel Van" that was very much focused on youth culture, the beach and camping.
There vehicles were built in limited numbers and were quite expensive at the time. Ford had the smaller version sewn up with minimal competition. The closest thing was the Holden Gemini van which was basically a wagon (or an estate car) rather than a purposed built panel van.
Fords range consisted of the big Transit, the Falcon and the Escort, all bases covered to counter the Holden Sandman which was also available in rare utility (pick up) version.
Around 2000 (don't quote me) Escort Sundowners were produced and sold between 1977 and 1980, but they were still being run out into 1982. I owned one of the very last Sundowners with paperwork stating a sales date in 1982. This one featured an RS quick shifter and a full range of options which included RS steering wheel, rev counter dash, driving lights, side bubble windows and stripes, quarter bumpers and fold-down headboard for night time activities.
The Sundowners were also issued with a separate model number to identify them from a modified "L spec" van which were a common sight on the Vanners' scene. Many upgraded the 1.6lt Kent engine for a 2.0lt Pinto, so by the end of production Ford was offering the Escort Van in both formats. Square headlights usually denotes the late versions with the bigger engines but the Kent engines were still popular right up until the end of production.
I bought my first Sundowner for the princely sum of $500 which included delivery. The young guy I bought it from was a drummer in a band and had been using it for lugging his kit about. Mechanically, apart from the clutch that was completely shot, the van was in pretty good order. Unfortunately, rust had ravaged most of the bodywork, particularly the rear section due to a minor accident.
The second Sundowner I bought for parts was just as bad however the rust was mainly confined to the front of the vehicle. I somehow convinced myself I could make one good one out of the two but its was clear after some discussion with a panel beater friend that was going to be a job beyond the economics. Sadly that meant their fate was sealed and both ended up as scrap.
There vehicles were built in limited numbers and were quite expensive at the time. Ford had the smaller version sewn up with minimal competition. The closest thing was the Holden Gemini van which was basically a wagon (or an estate car) rather than a purposed built panel van.
Fords range consisted of the big Transit, the Falcon and the Escort, all bases covered to counter the Holden Sandman which was also available in rare utility (pick up) version.
Around 2000 (don't quote me) Escort Sundowners were produced and sold between 1977 and 1980, but they were still being run out into 1982. I owned one of the very last Sundowners with paperwork stating a sales date in 1982. This one featured an RS quick shifter and a full range of options which included RS steering wheel, rev counter dash, driving lights, side bubble windows and stripes, quarter bumpers and fold-down headboard for night time activities.
The Sundowners were also issued with a separate model number to identify them from a modified "L spec" van which were a common sight on the Vanners' scene. Many upgraded the 1.6lt Kent engine for a 2.0lt Pinto, so by the end of production Ford was offering the Escort Van in both formats. Square headlights usually denotes the late versions with the bigger engines but the Kent engines were still popular right up until the end of production.
I bought my first Sundowner for the princely sum of $500 which included delivery. The young guy I bought it from was a drummer in a band and had been using it for lugging his kit about. Mechanically, apart from the clutch that was completely shot, the van was in pretty good order. Unfortunately, rust had ravaged most of the bodywork, particularly the rear section due to a minor accident.
The second Sundowner I bought for parts was just as bad however the rust was mainly confined to the front of the vehicle. I somehow convinced myself I could make one good one out of the two but its was clear after some discussion with a panel beater friend that was going to be a job beyond the economics. Sadly that meant their fate was sealed and both ended up as scrap.
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