Climbing into the oldest surviving Ford Transit, built in 1965, feels like stepping into a rolling time capsule — no satnav, no touchscreen, not even a radio. Yet when it first hit the market, this British-German creation transformed the van industry with its spacious design, sharp handling, and unmatched practicality.
Launched on 9 August 1965 from Ford’s Langley plant, the Transit quickly outclassed rivals like the Morris J4, winning over builders, electricians, delivery drivers, and even rock bands such as Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and The Damned. It offered cheap, flexible transport — and for some, even a mobile home.
The van’s speed and load capacity also earned it an unintended reputation. In the 1970s, police claimed it featured in most UK bank raids, dubbing it “Britain’s most wanted van.”
Over six decades, more than 13 million Transits have been built, making it the world’s best-selling van. Production stayed in the UK until 2013, when Ford moved manufacturing to Turkey for cost efficiency. While this decision sparked controversy, the UK still leads Transit engineering and design from its Dunton, Essex headquarters, with diesel engines made in Dagenham and EV power units in Halewood.
Today, Ford is steering the Transit brand toward an electric and software-driven future, with models like the E-Transit promising lower running costs and advanced fleet management tools.
AA president Edmund King says the Transit remains the only truly iconic van but warns brand loyalty is shifting as competition grows. Still, from rock ’n’ roll tours to construction sites — and even the occasional getaway — the Ford Transit’s 60-year journey shows no sign of slowing.https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNGV208R1oQ/
