"Ford's ubiquitous Transit range needs little introduction. Launched in 1965, it has been Europe's best-selling light commercial vehicle for the last 40 years, and is now into its fourth-generation and Mk.7 incarnation. More intriguingly, in the 1970s, no less than 95 per cent of robberies employing a vehicle apparently involved a Transit of some description! Famed for bringing car-like handling, drive-ability and comfort to the van world, it was the ideal base for all manner of conversions, including motor caravans. Power in the early models was supplied by 1.7 or 2.0-litre V4 versions of Ford's Essex powerplant. The suspension was deliberately basic, with live axles front and rear. A wide track provided exceptional stability.
Built in 1972, but not registered until 1st February 1973, this Mk. I ‘single wheel’ Ford Transit presents beautifully having just gone through a full restoration. The body was stripped back to bare metal at which point all necessary repairs were undertaken. This included repairs to the floors, chassis legs, bulk head, doors, windows and windscreen surrounds. The van was then treated to a full respray in Ford Light Blue. Fitted with a later Ford Transit engine along with a five-speed gearbox, the van also benefits from modern vehicle reliability. It has also been subtly upgraded with a hidden removable tow hitch, (which hides behind the rear number plate) and the rear interior has been professionally ‘wooded out’ by a skilled carpenter to a high standard. The van is reported to ‘start on the button’ and to run and drive very well. Forming part of a large private collection throughout its restoration, the van was originally intended to be a race support vehicle for the vendors historic racing endeavours and is now only now for sale to free up some space for a new incoming project. These early Mk. I Transits are hard to come by, let alone in such wonderful condition and sympathetically upgraded to be practical and pleasant to drive in modern conditions and as such, is an opportunity not to be missed.
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