The Ford Transit Story

Recent questions

• What is the history of the Ford Transit?

  The Ford Transit, known as the "Backbone of Britain," has been a top-selling van in the UK since its launch in 1965. The Transit name originated from a rebranding exercise in Germany, transitioning from the FK 1000 to the Ford Taunus Transit in 1961. Ford's continuous improvements included engine upgrades, chassis flexibility for motorhome conversions, and luxury features in later models. The Transit's enduring popularity and reliability led to multiple generations, with the third generation introducing new design elements and global availability. The Transit evolved through generations, with the 4th generation launched in 2013 at the Detroit auto show, featuring a new design language, increased payload capacity, and rebranding of the front-wheel-drive model as the Transit Custom.

• What features make the Ford Transit popular?

  The new Transit design featured a wider stance, American-inspired style, and utilized components from Ford's car range for cost efficiency. Ergonomics were a key focus, making the Transit more car-like with reduced noise, improved driving position, and ease of access. The Transit's popularity led to various body styles beyond the panel van, including pick-up and minibus options. Ford updated the engines with 4 and 5-cylinder options from their other car models, showcasing the ability to power the heavy vehicle efficiently. The Transit received a facelift in 2006, including higher headlights and grille, and reverted to a traditional stick shift from automatic transmission buttons on the dashboard.

• Where is the Ford Transit produced globally?

  Production expanded globally to Australia, Turkey, and South Africa, with the Transit becoming a versatile and sought-after vehicle. The Transit's success led to adaptations like the Supervan, but also attracted criminal attention due to its speed and capacity. A Transit "Sport Van" was introduced with racing stripes and alloy wheels, followed by the XXL stretch van after winning "International Van of the Year" in 2007. The Transit evolved through generations, with the 4th generation launched in 2013 at the Detroit auto show, featuring a new design language, increased payload capacity, and rebranding of the front-wheel-drive model as the Transit Custom.

• What are some notable adaptations of the Ford Transit?

  The Transit's success led to adaptations like the Supervan, but also attracted criminal attention due to its speed and capacity. A Transit "Sport Van" was introduced with racing stripes and alloy wheels, followed by the XXL stretch van after winning "International Van of the Year" in 2007. Ford's continuous improvements included engine upgrades, chassis flexibility for motorhome conversions, and luxury features in later models. The Transit evolved through generations, with the 4th generation launched in 2013 at the Detroit auto show, featuring a new design language, increased payload capacity, and rebranding of the front-wheel-drive model as the Transit Custom.

• How has the Ford Transit evolved over time?

  The Transit's enduring popularity and reliability led to multiple generations, with the third generation introducing new design elements and global availability. The Transit evolved through generations, with the 4th generation launched in 2013 at the Detroit auto show, featuring a new design language, increased payload capacity, and rebranding of the front-wheel-drive model as the Transit Custom. Ford updated the engines with 4 and 5-cylinder options from their other car models, showcasing the ability to power the heavy vehicle efficiently. The Transit received a facelift in 2006, including higher headlights and grille, and reverted to a traditional stick shift from automatic transmission buttons on the dashboard.