Ford Transit Van

Facts about Ford Transit Van. The history of the Ford Transit vans began in the 1950s in Germany. But the Ford Transit were introduced to the British roads in the 60’s. The Ford Transit commercial vehicles are large and spacious. Generally the Ford Transit were produced for the European market but they have spread to other parts of the world. Interestingly, the history of the Ford Transit began in German.

Over the years, many Ford Transit Vans have been produced from one generation to another. The good thing about the Ford Transit Van is that they are never scarce in the market.

The first Ford Transit Van

The first ever Ford Transit Van was produced by the Ford Motor Company and was sold as a cargo van. The Ford Transit Van was launched as FK 1000 and built in Cologne. Later on 1961, the Ford Transit was branded again as the Ford Transit Taunus. It remained so until its production ended in 1965.

After its production ended, the Ford Transit Van was born. Initially the Ford Transit was produced as Ford but a vehicle was needed for the international market. So with that consideration the Transit came into existence and completed Ford Transit Van which is known to us today. The Ford Transit was launched in 1965 and was built at Langley in Berkshire before its production was switched to Southampton.

First generation of the Ford Transit Van

The Ford Transit Van was first introduced in the market in 1965. The Ford Transit Van was purposely produced to replace the Ford Thames 400E targeting to have a larger vehicle. The Ford Transit Van was powered by 2.0Liter engine which made it more powerful.

Second generation of the Ford Transit Van

In 1978, the second generation of the Ford Transit Van saw a new face lift version of a Second generation Ford Transit Van with a restyled front with a complete new interior and pinto engine available in 1.6 L engine. In 1984, the engine was redesigned into 2.5 L and a minor facelift was done. The Ford Transit was available in six bodies namely; Kombi, Parcel Van, Crewbus, Van, Bus, and Chassis cab. The Ford Transits were all available in short and long wheel bases.

Third generation of the Ford Transit Van

In 1986, the second generation of the Ford Transit was produced and it had a new body shell. The Ford Transit's design was one-box with a windscreen and bonet that were closely together. The Ford Transits underwent a minor facelift in 1991. In 1992 another facelift was done and this saw changes in the front. A redesigned floor plan accommodated the use of single rear wheels on the LWB derivative. For easier identification of third generations Ford Transits, the front headlamps are rounded than the other models.

Fourth generation

The fourth generation of the Ford Transit Van was introduced in 2000 and the purpose of innovating was to introduce a front-or rear-wheel drive. This saw the Ford Transit Van earn the international van of the year title. The Ford Transit received the facelift in 2006 which gave it new front and rear lights, new interior with gearstick on the dashboard, and a new redisgned radio. The petrol engine was replaced too and the diesel capacity changed from 2 to 2.2 liters.

Fifth generation of the Ford Transit Van

The fifth generation of the Ford Transit Van received a re-designed nose and a new styled dashboard. Two distinct body vans were introduced in 2013 namely;

Mid size front wheel which is intended to compete with vehicles like Mercedes Benz and full size rear wheel drive was intended to replace the 40 year old Econoline that is in transit in the North American market.

These are the first five generations of Ford Transit Van.
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