It’s easy to forget just what an impact the Transit has had on our lives.
Almost overnight, they were everywhere - from deliveries and builders vans to mini buses, police vans and ambulances, the Transit has been the backdrop to British life since 1965.
Of course, many earlier models have long since disappeared, which makes what we have here so special: a beautifully maintained, late Mk2 Transit, with seating for six and a fantastic load space.
One of the most striking things about the interior of this van is how well it presents. Even for a vehicle that has only covered just over 22,000 miles, it’s in exceptional condition.
At the front, the three seats are upholstered in grey cloth, which shows some signs of light wear – a little more on the driver’s seat. But overall they are in excellent condition, with no staining, tears or threadbare sections.
The rear bench has lap belts and seating for three. It’s finished in grey vinyl to match the door cards and presents in excellent condition, with no rips or sagging.
Aiding the practicality of the vehicle, it also drops down to form a double bed – perfect for the occasional overnight stay.
The front cabin features thick rubber over-mats, while the rear load area is finished with grey carpets. All are in fine condition, with no excessive wear or signs of damage.
The headlining is a cream vinyl and looks to be in excellent condition, again there is no damage, no staining and no evidence of sagging – quite remarkable for a Ford of this vintage.
All of the internal trim is present and correct and in very good condition. The dash and switchgear are undamaged, with no evidence of UV damage.
The one element that has been changed is the speedo/odometer. The French one read in KM, so on import was changed for a UK specification unit in MPH. The removed unit comes with the vehicle, thereby confirming its genuine low mileage.upRjuL14ap4HCXQ24uKGzxAXonkcGpr4Z14mMKll.jpeg1.05 MB
The Exterior
Resprayed externally in 2019
Practical 3-door layout
Original 14” steel wheels with good tyres
Finished in a striking bright blue, the owner tells us that this Transit gets a lot of attention wherever it goes. We can well believe it, as it’s in excellent overall condition.
When the van was first imported from France, it was in good condition but suffering from UV damage to the paintwork. So the owner had the exterior resprayed in the same original shade of blue, just to freshen things up.
The van benefits from a quirky but practical door layout, with front and rear hinged doors on the passenger side and a traditional sliding door on the driver’s side. This layout, while unconventional for a Transit, does make ingress and egress very easy.
There are one or two minor issues the new owner may with to address: there is a scratch to the lower middle passenger side bodywork, and some light bubbling to the passenger side front wing and driver’s side front wing. The bubbling is minor, however, and the paint is not broken.
It rides on original 14” steel wheels, which are in very good condition, with no evidence of kerb damage or corrosion we could see. They’re shod with good quality tyres – fitted in 2019, but having covered hardly any miles since then.
Underneath the vehicle is very clean, straight and, as far as we can see, free from corrosion. In fact, we’d go as far as to say it’s exceptional, especially for a van.Yo3svMAlb47iMiI3sDwgJCUYxLF9pLVpPdzM888n.jpeg1.11 MB
The Mechanics
1,998cc Pinto engine
4 speed manual transmission with overdrive
Recent full service inc. timing belt
With robust, simple, proven mechanicals, this van is presented in superb overall condition. The vendor tells us that the engine runs very well, and the van drives perfectly, with no mechanical issues whatsoever.
Recently the van has received a full service and light overhaul, which included:
Fluids and filters
Distributor cap, rotor arm and HT leads
Oil pressure switch
Water pump
Timing belt and tensioner
Heavy duty starter motor
The only issue to report is that the rear silencer occasionally knocks, but a replacement part is included with the sale. As is a spare used alternator, starter motor and a new oil filter for the next service.
With an excellent mechanical record, recent service and recent exterior respray, this lovely Mk2 Transit presents in excellent condition inside and out. With one or two minor issues addressed, it would be a show-stopper.
It’s incredibly rare to find a Transit of this vintage with such low miles, let alone one that has been cared for so well and comes with such a genuinely usable specification.
You may be able to tell, but we adore this old van, we think someone is going to be walking away with an absolute peach of a vehicle…
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