By Classic Yorkshire contributor Tony Lofthouse
This week, I’m stepping briefly into ‘van world’ to celebrate Britain’s biggest selling commercial vehicle, the enduring Ford Transit.
The Transit was originally a collaboration between Ford engineers in the UK and Germany and for most of its life it was made here – first at Langley in Berkshire and then Southampton.
In terms of engineering and design it was a revelation with the van’s compact front-engine positioned in front of the cab.
It would quickly become the ideal carrier for tradespeople and become an important ‘driver’ for the UK economy.
Production moved to Europe in 2013 with Ford citing ‘lower production costs’.
The Transit has been redesigned over the years and decades later it holds its own in a competitive van market. Across the globe, more than 13 million have been produced.
Here are five things you might not know about the Ford Transit:
- The first Transit rolled off Ford’s Langley plant on 9th August 1965
- Sixty years ago, the base model cost just £542
- Today, an early Transit with low mileage can fetch over £20,000
- A new Transit was sold every two minutes in Europe in 2024
- The main European production hub is now in Turkey.
As well as being a popular commercial carrier, the Transit was a popular mode of transport for the criminal fraternity as many of the ‘The Sweeney’ episodes show.
In 1972, a Scotland Yard spokesperson famously said: “Ford Transits are used in 95 percent of bank raids.”
Indeed, its speed and ample loading space made it Britain’s ‘most wanted’ van and that also included orders from Police forces up and down the country.
It also proved a cheap transport option for up and coming rock bands. Among those cramming their kit inside ready for gigs were Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin.
Today, the Transit is now in its sixth generation and its design and development is divided between the UK, Europe and the US. Key components are made here including diesel engines at Dagenham and power packs for electric vans at Halewood.
In 2025 Ford offer an ever expanding range of models including electric versions and large two-tonne Transits. It’s a van that is here to stay!