The Ford Thames 400E was produced in the Ford factory at Dagenham in Essex between 1957 and 1965 during which time some 187,000 were built. It was also referred to as the Thames 15cwt, Thames 10/12cwt, Thames 800 and Thames Freighter.

The 400E was fitted with a 1703cc petrol engine or a 1600cc diesel engine both with a column change three speed gear box. In the last couple of years of manufacture an improved petrol engine fitted with 4 speed gearbox was available.

The chassis was available as a 10/12/15 cwt carrying capacity fitted with various body derivatives such as the van, flat bed and drop side pickup truck, 8/10 seat estate car, 12 seater mini bus. In addition to these using the chassis/cab a wide variety of special bodies were built along with camper conversions.

The vehicle was exported all over the world as the Thames 800 and Thames Freighter in both right and left hand drive.

The Ford 400E was superseded by the Ford Transit.