Both Ford and General Motors played catch up after Chrysler found instant success with its first minivan introduced in November 1983 as a 1984 model. Ford's answer to the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager was called the Aerostar and was introduced nearly two yeas later in the summer of 1985 as a 1986 model. The standard engine in early versions was a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder. A 2.8-liter V-6 was optional. In 1988, the 4-cylinder was dropped and the Aerostar became the first minivan with a V-6 as standard equipment. This first-generation minivan (1986-1991) was found behind a garage in eastern North Carolina apparently done with the chores of driving life. (Photo by Jim Meachen)