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Ford Transit Turns 60: A British Icon Since 1965
Nov 04
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Ford Transit Turns 60: A British Icon Since 1965

The Ford Transit has been the backbone of Britain’s working life since its launch in 1965. Built to be useful and affordable, the first Mk1 started at just £542. By the late ’60s, it had become a familiar sight on every road — shifting goods, carrying tools, and ferrying people.

Six decades later, the Transit is still king: best-selling commercial vehicle in the UK for 59 of its 60 years, with 96,000 units sold in 2024 alone. Globally, over 13 million Transits have been built.


Anniversary Events Across the UK

To mark the milestone, Ford has organised celebrations nationwide:

  • Commercial Vehicle Show, Birmingham – featured a pristine 1965 Mk1 Transit alongside the futuristic Supervan 4.2 EV, plus the latest electric Courier, Connect, Custom, and Transit.

  • Classic Ford Show, West Sussex (May 2025) – showcased rare and quirky Transits from across the decades.

  • British Motor Museum, Gaydon (June 2025) – hosted a gathering of 96+ different Transit models, supported by fan clubs and collectors.

From retro classics to high-tech prototypes, the events offered a true celebration of Transit history.


Looking Ahead: The Future of Transit

While much of 2025 is about celebrating the past, Ford is firmly focused on the future:

  • Electrification: modern Transit Custom and full-size models are available as electric vans, with reduced running costs and sustainability benefits.

  • Driver-assist tech: features like Co-Pilot360, Intelligent Speed Assist, and Enhanced Active Park Assist boost safety and ease of use.

  • Ford Pro connected system: helps businesses manage fleets, reduce downtime, and keep vehicles road-ready.


A Legacy That Keeps Evolving

From construction sites and delivery routes to camper van conversions and mobile coffee shops, the Ford Transit remains a true British workhorse. After 60 years, it’s not just a van — it’s part of everyday life. And with electric drivetrains, smarter tech, and connected services, it’s gearing up for the next 60 years.

The Ford Transit has been the backbone of Britain’s working life since its launch in 1965. Built to be useful and affordable, the first Mk1 started at just £542. By the late ’60s, it had become a familiar sight on every road — shifting goods, carrying tools, and ferrying people.

Six decades later, the Transit is still king: best-selling commercial vehicle in the UK for 59 of its 60 years, with 96,000 units sold in 2024 alone. Globally, over 13 million Transits have been built.

 

Ford Transit Turns 60: A British Icon Since 1965

Anniversary Events Across the UK

To mark the milestone, Ford has organised celebrations nationwide:

  • Commercial Vehicle Show, Birmingham – featured a pristine 1965 Mk1 Transit alongside the futuristic Supervan 4.2 EV, plus the latest electric Courier, Connect, Custom, and Transit.

  • Classic Ford Show, West Sussex (May 2025) – showcased rare and quirky Transits from across the decades.

  • British Motor Museum, Gaydon (June 2025) – hosted a gathering of 96+ different Transit models, supported by fan clubs and collectors.

From retro classics to high-tech prototypes, the events offered a true celebration of Transit history.


Looking Ahead: The Future of Transit

While much of 2025 is about celebrating the past, Ford is firmly focused on the future:

  • Electrification: modern Transit Custom and full-size models are available as electric vans, with reduced running costs and sustainability benefits.

  • Driver-assist tech: features like Co-Pilot360, Intelligent Speed Assist, and Enhanced Active Park Assist boost safety and ease of use.

  • Ford Pro connected system: helps businesses manage fleets, reduce downtime, and keep vehicles road-ready.


A Legacy That Keeps Evolving

From construction sites and delivery routes to camper van conversions and mobile coffee shops, the Ford Transit remains a true British workhorse. After 60 years, it’s not just a van — it’s part of everyday life. And with electric drivetrains, smarter tech, and connected services, it’s gearing up for the next 60 years.

 

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