The iconic Ford Transit, one of the most successful and best-selling vans in the United Kingdom for more than 40 years.
Since the mid-20th century, Ford transit has produced a range of Light Commercial Vehicles in both long and short wheelbase versions.
The first “official generation” of the Transit was launched in 1965, however, the birth of this iconic model marks back to the 1950s when Ford Cologne, released the Taunus Transit in Germany. It had a 1.3-litre engine (extended to 1.5 in 1955) and was very similar to the Volkswagen Transporter of the time.
1965
TheTransit is Born
The First Generation Transit Mark 1 was originally manufactured in Berkshire. The demand for the Ford Transit from UK buyers began to out-way supply and a new plant was opened in Southampton. This remained in use until 2013.
Designed with space in mind, the Ford Transit surprised buyers with its roomy cabin, American like style, wide body and square shell. Consumers were given many choices with pick-ups, minibuses, panel vans and crew-cab versions, with the choice of diesel or petrol engines.
For the next 12 years the shape remained unaltered.
1978
Gen 1 Mk2
The Teenage Transit
In 1978 the Transit was given a major facelift including; front end, interior and internal comfort, engineering updates made incredible improvements in reliability and safety and the mechanics of the vehicle were also given an overhaul with the Pinto engine introduced from the Cortina.
Automatic transmission was also made available on a Transit for the first time with this version. This was another first for the Mark 2. It was the very first “fast” transit made from this version by sticking a V6 engine in certain models.
1986
Gen 2
The time for change
The 2nd Generation Transit had its appearance totally modified.
The quality of ride and handling was improved by having an independent front suspension system (only on short wheelbase models). The accessibility and visibility were improved, while the engines stayed the same. However, the ‘fast’ Transit engine was replaced with a modern 2.9-litre fuel-injected Cologne unit.
Ford added options such as air-conditioning, central locking, airbags, electric windows, and electric mirrors to embrace the technology available at the time. With its improved spaciousness and comfort, the Transit was not just seen as a commercial vehicle, but as a handy and practical van for private use.
Nine years after its introduction a facelift was welcomed by Ford Transit. The update didn’t introduce any dramatic changes to its features (especially after 30 years of success). The main aim was to introduce more comfort into the Transit.
The lines between personal & commercial vehicles were beginning to blur.
2000
Gen 3
Performance, drive and comfort
The 3rd Generation Ford Transit was a was available in either front or rear-wheel drive, which was a first for a Transit and with Ford’s experience in the car market it meant that the new millennium’s Transit was more car-like in performance, drive & comfort than ever before. It had 2 height options to choose from & you could choose either front or rear wheel drive.
The Ford Mondeo’s diesel engine was placed into the front meaning a van that could do serious heavy lifting
also had a top speed of 90mpg. This generation became a best-seller thanks to a multitude of improvements & several mid-cycle actions including a sport version that favoured aesthetic over mechanical improvements.
This was the period when the Sport Van was first introduced, with the sporty body kit, racing stripes and large alloys; appealing to those who loved fast Fords but needed a van for work.
With the new TDCi engines introduced, improving economy and emissions, this generation of Transit was highly regarded among working professionals.
2013
Gen 4
Variety - transits for all
The 4th Generation Transit improved on the previous with larger loading bays, 3 choices of wheelbase lengths & more height options. A double cab Transit model was created for this generation. Its main purpose being to carry up to seven people, while boasting up to 10.6 cubic metres of flexible load space.
The Light Commercial Vehicle market changed forever with Ford deciding to create the 1-tonne medium Transit Custom as a smaller version of the iconic large Transit.
There’s a choice of medium, long, and extended wheelbases to make sure professionals have access to a vehicle that best suits their needs and requirements, as well as having the option to specify a taller vehicle.
