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Terry Fox van an auto show favourite

Amid the latest high-powered models, innovative eco-friendly whips, and something called the “Hoonicorn,” a 1980 Ford Econoline van stole the show at this year’s Vancouver International Auto Show.
Terry Fox van
Photo courtesy Vancouver International Auto Show

Amid the latest high-powered models, innovative eco-friendly whips, and something called the “Hoonicorn,” a 1980 Ford Econoline van stole the show at this year’s Vancouver International Auto Show.

The Auto Show, which wrapped its 99th installation on Sunday, March 24, proudly displayed the “Van of Hope.” The 1980 Ford Econoline van is the vehicle that supported Canadian icon Terry Fox during his “Marathon of Hope” trek across the country.

Van of Hope
The Van of Hope on display in 2012. Photo courtesy Vancouver International Auto Show

For Darrell Fox, who accompanied Terry during the Marathon of Hope 39 years ago, the response has been overwhelming: “Whenever the van is displayed at a public event like this week at the Vancouver International Auto Show, I continue to be astounded and appreciative that people of all generations continue to have such a strong personal and emotional attachment to Terry and the Marathon of Hope,” said Fox.

Check out some vintage photos of the van during the Marathon of Hope:

Terry Fox van
Photo courtesy Vancouver International Auto Show
Marathon of Hope
Photo courtesy Vancouver International Auto Show