The Ford Transit Story

Here’s the Ford Transit story: they made a van, people bought it, and it became – as Ford put it – the “Backbone of Britain”, and many other countries in the world. OK – there’s a little more to the story than that, but like “Hoover”, “Transit” has become a byword for any van. And it’s sold in its millions – the Transit has been the number 1 selling van in the UK since it launched. In 1965. But how did Ford hit upon such a winning combination, and how have they managed the almost impossible feat of always producing the right van for the job.

Link to those "no... left in the van" stickers towards the end:

#bigcar #fordtransit

[noaht]

I like the way this guy can make the most mundane vehicles interesting

[paulwestcott]

This is one of the ONLY people who makes videos of this type who isn’t intensely irritating. Packed with interesting facts, with nice splashes of humour (without trying to be “funny”), he is unfailingly entertaining; he simply has a real flair for this type of video. I hope we have many more videos ahead to watch and should he read this, I wish him the very best of health. Health is everything and needs cherishing. You’re a video star in my eyes, Sir, and I’m sure you’re appreciated by many people. I wart a Transit Mk. 1 now. Paul Westcott or

[Stuie]

Sadly my dear old dad is no longer around to show this to, as he was part of the product planning team at Ford and worked on the Transit design. (I believe he was responsible for the drive train.)

[dbowden]

I am shocked that people would say such a thing. It's just sad for them. I love these stories, the simple narration and the occasional "dry British humour" I've been isolated at my work desk due to covid measures for a year now and you have given me human contact during lunch break. I wouldn't change a thing! Thank you.

[chrisst]

Sabine Schmidt. The greatest driver of the Transit. God bless her.

[peter-eq]

Another great video. Factual, interesting, no time wasting, and no irrelevant irritating background music!!

[Tech-Nobby]

No matter what you do, there's always going to be some self-righteous perfect embodiment just waiting to shoot you down. Leave the sad gits to it, and carry on with the great videos :o)

[camwat]

I’m self-employed and drive a Renault Trafic. I advertise my business as having a Transit van.
It’s more or less the same payload as the Transit but when you say “Ford Transit” the customer has an instant understanding.
It’s like when we instinctively call our vacuum cleaners “Hoover” irrespective of the make.
It takes huge iconic status to achieve that and the Transit has achieved that.
Well deserved too 👏👏👏

[shannalog]

Was I surprised to see my old transit 8 minutes in. The black space 6 wheeler transit. I've still got the write up to it, and its history as to how it came about, thanks for the memory, Bob.

[tedthesailor]

I was in a collision on the M1 whilst driving a Mk2 and found myself actually aquaplaning sideways past other vehicles at around 60 mph. Astonishingly, the vehicle remained upright and I was able to instinctively steer into the skid and bring the vehicle back almost into line before the tyres bit and it catapulted onto the hard shoulder. Even without a windscreen, I was able to drive home with my motorcycle cargo still tethered and intact. Nothing but respect for these vans ever since...

[Brera]

I was 11 when the first Transits arrived to the Ford dealership beside my school. I loved to see all the variatons, and now, 55 years later, I still do.

[rafflesnh]

I can well remember seeing (and sitting in) my first Ford Transit 'pig' in a Nairobi showroom as a schoolboy in 1965. Their engines made such a distinctive whine that you could hear them coming without looking. Great video again, BC. Thank you.

[biggobmalc]

March 2020 additional signage on transits. "No Toilet rolls left in this vehicle overnight."

[chrisward]

I'm here for the cars. Glad you can ignore the snide comments and continue with the quality content!

[andybowie]

When I was growing up one phrase was drummed into me, "if you can't say something nice don't say anything at all" I find it sad and difficult to understand why anyone would watch a car history video and comment on your looks. I hope you are thick skinned enough to laugh it off which it seems you are going by the fact you mentioned it at all, theres something wrong with those people, I think you know that.
Keep the content coming, I've watched and enjoyed them all, even on cars (or vans) I was never that interested in.

[iankemp]

I always feel the Ford Transit is one of the great choices of name, a marketing triumph. They found a word that rolled off the tongue and gave the impression of movement and effective delivery of goods. So when it was a success because of good basic design, like the Escort, Cortina or Capri, the name easily became iconic. Nothing said here about how it was chosen.

[ceesklumper]

Thanks for another great feature. These must take a lot of time to research and make. Your face is fine.

[multilinkacs]

I had a twin wheel 35cwt in 1967, it was a fifteen seat bus with the side door on the wrong side for the UK. I did the best part of 170, 000 miles in this. Great van but prone to kingpin wear which was a difficult fix. The 2 litre V engome was very easy to fix. I rebuilt 3 engines in my time, dead easy. I love the wheeee of the 3 fibre gears in place of the tioming chain. All in all the greatest van ever.

[robfrith]

I've loved all your videos and subscribed and love it when a new one pops up in my Youtube recommendations. You've got a great friendly face and a great voice that I could listen to all day! Ignore the trolls and keep up the great work!

[VampirionNosgoth]

What a fascinating video!!! As a driver of Transit vans for many years, and now the proud owner of a Ford Transit Trail, this really opened my eyes to the history of one of my most beloved vehicles. Ditch the bag mate. No one should be so shallow as to judge someone on their looks. You look like my father in law, and he's great. Keep up the good