Transit van celebrates 45 years
Written By Faye Sunderland Published On: Jul 30 2010The iconic Ford Transit celebrates its 45th birthday next month, with more than six million models produced since its debut in 1965.
The original white van has played a pivotal role in British motor manufacturing over its 45 year history, with the model built in the carmaker’s Southampton plant with engines and transmissions for the van produced in Dagenham and Merseyside. The Transit has remained a leading commercial vehicle ever since the first model rolled off the production line, with more than 2.1 million Transits sold in Britain alone.
At launch, the cheapest Transit, a short wheelbase, petrol-engined van with 610kg payload, cost £542. The most expensive Transit was a 15-seat Custom bus which cost £997. From 78 derivatives in 1965, there are now more than 600 Transit entities, providing a range of dedicated commercial vehicles to ensure there is a model for every job required.
Today's Transit continues to offer commercial drivers a reliable and affordable solution. A special edition "Sapphire" went into production at the Southampton Plant this year to mark 45 years of success. The Sapphire develops more power and torque, has longer service intervals yet costs just £295 more than the last celebration model in 2005, the Transit "Hallmark".
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