Everything You Need To Know About Ford Transit Vans

If you've ever driven for more than five minutes in the UK you've probably seen a Ford Transit van. Owned by professionals in every trade from builders to plumbers, delivery drivers, and more, Transits of the 21st century are known as reliable vans with a solid reputation. But how did they become so popular and what models are available in 2024?

This article will explore everything you need to know about this iconic vehicle. From the history of Transits to the different models to choose from, let's start with a quick history lesson.

The History of Ford Transit Vans

Ford Transit vans might be a mainstay on British roads, but they have a fascinating history in mainland Europe, which starts in Germany.

The Taunis Transit of Germany

Transit vans began life in Germany, with the first Transit manufactured in 1953 and called the Taunis Transit. With a rounded exterior, the Taunis bore little resemblance to the Transit design we know and love today, and the closest thing to a modern-day Transit van came about in 1965 with the Mark I.

The Mark I Transit Van

The Mark I Transit moved away from the Taunis' circular design and featured a square shell exterior with lots of room inside. This looked much more like the Transits we have in 2024 with a slightly more Americanised feel.

The Mark II appealed to British customers and although it did look quite American in design, it was built in Berkshire. This was until the demand was so high that production had to be moved to a larger factory in Southampton, which would remain the case until 2013.

The Mark II Transit Van

The Mark II superseded the Mark I in 1978 and was a vast improvement aesthetically and technologically. A much more comfortable, reliable vehicle, driving the Mark II was a completely different experience to the Mark I and sales skyrocketed country-wide.

The 80s and Transit Vans

The Mark I and Mark II models were so successful in Britain that not many changes took place until the middle of the 80s when the second generation Transit was released. Many didn't know what to expect from this new model but found even more practicality with additional features and improvements to what made the original Transit vans great.

The second generation Transit looked much closer to what we know as a Transit van today, and a new exterior had the bonnet at a similar angle as the windscreen. This differed from the Mark I and Mark II that both had more of a car bonnet design that protruded from the front of the vehicle.

Into the 90s for Ford Transit Vans

In 1994, electric windows were added to the Transit van and airbags, air conditioning, and central locking were also introduced. While most vehicles are designed with these features today, this was a huge step forward in the 90s and groundbreaking for a van.

The exterior design also changed with more rounded headlights creating a neater-looking vehicle. The rear and side load doors remained in place, however, so heavy-lifting tasks could still be achieved. Transit vans of the time came with different engine size options, with naturally aspirated engines, turbo diesel alternatives, and intercooled versions which were introduced in the late 90s.

The Transit Hallmark

In 1995, the Transit Hallmark was released to celebrate its 30th anniversary, with only 600 models built. The Hallmark was available in three colours and snapped up incredibly quickly, so much so that they're now a thing of legend and are usually only found at Ford conventions and meetups.

A New Millennium for Transit Vans

The noughties saw the introduction of a third new Transit design that utilised sophisticated engineering advancements and technology.

With a top speed of 90mph and a diesel engine from the Ford Mondeo, many said that to drive a Transit in the early 2000s was more like driving a well-engineered car. This not only came from the speed it was capable of but from boosted efficiency and smoother handling, all without compromising its ability to carry heavy cargo.

The turn of the century also saw the introduction of medium and high options alongside improved internal features and comfort. There was even a Ford Transit Sport van manufactured in 2006 which boasted racing stripes and alloy wheels - a far cry from the Ford Transits of the 60s!

Present-Day Ford Transit Van Options

The way people use Ford Transits has come on leaps and bounds and since being introduced in 2013, the fourth generation of Transit van features multiple customisation options to suit more people's needs. Let's explore some of the Transit variations you can buy in 2024.

The Ford Transit Courier

The Ford Transit Courier is the smallest of the range and also the cheapest. With a load length of 1.6m and a 600kg capacity, it's slightly smaller than the much more popular Connect. The Courier is based on the Ford Fiesta and after being originally discontinued in 2002, is now available in a new 2024 model.

The Ford Transit Connect

The Transit Connect is a compact panel van used by tradespeople around the UK. Released in 2002, it's extremely popular and used by folks from all walks of life, especially in our local area of Honiton.

The Connect is also available as a Tourneo Connect with side windows and rear seats. As you might expect, the original Connect is most commonly used as a commercial vehicle, as opposed to a personal one.

The Ford Transit Custom

The Ford Transit Custom is a mid-sized, front wheel drive van coming in different size options.

With full-height and full-width bulkheads to offer more storage capabilities, Transit Customs are preferred by millions of people in industries that use large tools, items, and equipment. This includes everyone from furniture delivery specialists to heating engineers and more.

Ford Transit Custom vans also have a passenger version in the form of the Tourneo Custom, which again is built for personal usage.

Find a Ford Transit Van for Sale

At OVMS, we have a range of Ford Transit vans available including this red Ford Transit Connect for £5,590. Available for just over £102 per month on finance, this Postman Pat style Connect is a real workhorse and great for smaller loads.

We also have Ford Transit Custom options like this 2005 2.2TDCi 270 limited panel Transit van for just £8,995+VAT. For those looking for something newer, this 2019 Ford Transit Custom in silver could be the answer for just £14,490+VAT or starting at £324.94 per month on finance.

Browse our eclectic range of Ford Transits here or call us at 01404 861 155.

Ford Transit Vans on Finance

At OVMS, we offer a vast selection of van finance deals to individuals or businesses. With options for limited companies, partnerships, and sole traders, you can take finance out for up to five years and spread the cost of your new Transit van.

The Gold Wear and Tear Guarantee

Our Gold Wear and Tear Guarantee helps you minimise vehicle downtime as a business owner if your van needs repairs. Including replacement parts, labour, and VAT, we cover all electrical and mechanical parts of your Ford Transit van and boast a national repair network to help you wherever you are in the country.

We also have an optional recovery service to get your vehicle, or vehicles, back on the road in no time.

Buy From a Leading Ford Transit Dealership

OVMS is a leading used Ford Transit van dealership in Devon and the South West and we have models for every requirement and budget. We also have cars for sale around the country and vans whether you're from the South West, North East, or anywhere in between.

Browse our brilliant range of Ford Transit Custom vans here, and for those in the market for a smaller alternative, browse our selection of used Ford Transit Connect vans available in various colours.