Description
Highlights
Incredibly rare in today’s market, presenting a superb opportunity for collectors
Desirable Custom specification, with Ford’s highly regarded 2L V4 engine
Remarkably low mileage, with just 3 former keepers and plenty of history to show
Presented in excellent mechanical order, with a brilliant maintenance record
The Appeal
Revered by tradesfolk and bank robbers of the ‘70s, the first-generation Ford Transit is a truly legendary slice of British culture, often credited with impacting both the British economy and European van design in groundbreaking fashion. Key reasons for this were of course the Transit’s fantastic practicality and cargo capacity, as well as the van’s impressive car-like performance, particularly in its 2L V4 guise.
This particular Transit not only sports the favourable V4, but also showcases the optional “Custom” cab specification. This trim level introduced a host of subtle, yet key upgrades, such as the incredibly comfortable black seats, wood grain facia, a full-width rubber floor mat, and more. The end result is perhaps the greatest embodiment of Ford’s original ethos with the Transit; practicality and comfort, with luxury touches, seldom seen in competitor vans of the time.
Having no doubt served as trusty workhorses over the years, a great deal of these first-generation Transits have either fallen to age or bear the rugged hallmarks of regular use. This example, however, is one of the very few to survive the test of time, doing so with only 69K on the clock, with a mere 3 former keepers.
The rarity of such a vehicle simply cannot be understated, and opportunities such as this are incredibly scarce in today’s market. With that in mind, this presents a superb chance to obtain a beautiful, rare example of British motoring history, with plenty of collection and investment potential.
The History and Paperwork
First registered 17th April 1973
Originally dispatched to Gordons of Stockport
Enjoyed by just 3 former keepers, with a remarkably low mileage figure
Acquired by the current keeper in 2013, and cherished since
Recommissioned in 2022, with a host of new & refreshed parts
Tax & MOT exempt, as a historic vehicle
Presented in original condition, with plenty of history to show
Includes an impressive selection of paperwork & sundries, such as;
Previous MOT certificates
A collection of invoices detailing previous maintenance & repairs
The original stamped service booklet & owner’s booklet
A Haynes workshop manual, and Autobooks workshop manual
Transit Van Club publications
Original promotional material
The current V5C document
Ready to be enjoyed by the lucky new keeper
First registered on 17th April 1973, this remarkably rare Ford Transit began life with its original dealer; Gordons of Stockport, before being acquired by a local business. In 1977, the van is then believed to have been sold to an order of nuns, also in the Stockport area. Previous MOT history suggests the vehicle was very well maintained throughout those next fifteen years, covering only 17, 884 miles.
After then being purchased by the 3rd keeper, the low-mileage Transit then proceeded to cover just 96 miles between May 1992, and May 2011. Throughout this period, it seems rather likely the vehicle was tucked away in storage, no doubt saving the van from the harsh British elements and wear from regular use.
The vehicle was then acquired by the current keeper in December 2013, enjoying the spotlight at multiple shows before being temporarily retired to dry storage. The vehicle would receive a thorough recommissioning and fresh MOT in 2022, once again gracing the road with its presence.
Details of the vehicle’s past and previous owners can be found within the included selection of history and paperwork, which dates all the way back to the original stamped service booklet. Included alongside the service booklet, is a collection of invoices detailing previous maintenance, and a selection of previous MOT certificates that further help verify the low mileage figure shown today. Also included is the original owner’s manual, along with two workshop manuals, and a collection of publications from the Transit Van Club.
The Interior
Showcases, a luxurious Custom Cab specification
Beautifully preserved, with original components as far as the eye can see
Presented in fantastic condition for the vehicle’s age, with very few signs of use
Differing tremendously from the standard trim level, this low-mileage transit proudly showcases the Custom Cab specification, featuring the likes of wood grain facia details, a full-width rubber floor mat, and comfortable black seats.
Having only seen 69 thousand miles, all three seats present themselves brilliantly, with perhaps only minuscule signs of use. Controls throughout the interior seemingly follow suit, offering wear-free contact points, and well-preserved finishes.
