Ford Transit, the history of Europe's most beloved American van
Content
The first Ford Transit for the European market rolled off the production lines of the Ford plant in Langley, England. August 9 1965... This was the same plant where the fighters were made. Hawker Hurricaneused in World War II.
However, it must be said that this Ford FK 1.000later named Ford Taunus Transit to be considered its true predecessor.
Ford Taunus Transit
Produced back in 1953 at the Ford-Werke plant in Cologne-Nile, era intended only for the German market and thanks to some features, such as the wide opening of the tailgate, the Ford Taunus Transit has become the vehicle of choice for firefighters and emergency vehicle operators.
Redcap project
During those years, Ford in Europe also produced Ford Thames 400E intended for parts of continental Europe and Denmark, but at a certain point he found the parallel development of various models ineffective and in the framework of the "Redcap project" decided to jointly develop a pan-European vehicle.
It was 1965 when the Ford Transit was born: success came immediately. In 1976, production already exceeded one million, in 1985 - 2 million, and in practice progress increases by one million every ten years.
The secret of success
The success of Transit is largely due to the fact that it was very different from the European commercial vehicles of the time... The roadbed was wider, the carrying capacity was greater, for American style design The fact is that most of the components have been adapted from Ford vehicles. And then there was a huge number of versions and versions, long or short wheelbase, van cab, minibus, double cab van, etc.
From 1978 1999 up
La third series del Transit was produced from 1978 to 1986, new front, interior and mechanics. In '84, there was a small restyling: a black rubber radiator grille with integrated headlights, a new version of the York Diesel engine with direct injection.
La fourth seriesHowever, it appeared in 1986 with a completely redesigned body and independent front suspension on almost all versions. Another small restyling 92 years old with single rear wheels on the version with a long wheelbase, higher load capacity, rounded headlights. And then major intervention in 94: new radiator grille, new dashboard, I4 2.0 L DOHC 8 valve Scorpio, air conditioning, power windows, central locking, airbag, turbo diesel version.
International Van of the Year 2001
In 2000, 4.000.000 copies were produced from the factory. sixth restyling made in the USA which completely redesigned the Transit to follow the family feel of Ford, with the 'New Edge' already featured on the Focus and Ka.
Front or rear wheel drive, engine turbodiesel Duratorq Mondeo and Jaguar X-Type. International Van of the Year 2001 can be equipped with Durashift automatic transmission and controls on the dashboard for selecting adapted manual, towing, economy and winter modes.
Ford Transit Connect
In 2002, Ford launched Transit Connect, multi-space which replaced old small commercial vehicles such as Courier... In the market, it was a candidate that could compete with Fiat Doblò, Opel Combo or Citroën Berlingo.
International Van of the Year 2007
Il new restyling 2006 with modifications to the front and rear, new design of light groups and radiator grille, new 2.2-liter engine and TDCI technology, it was awarded the International Van of the Year 2007.
In the end, the 2014eighth series Ford Transit, developed globally by Ford of Europe and Ford North America. Front, rear or all wheel drive, different weight categories for different needs, up to the smallest and lightest versions.
