Ford Transit owners club

FORD TRANSIT success hits a high with xxl - the Longest Transit in the world

BRENTWOOD, England, 9 January 2007 –Ford's Commercial Vehicle development team, based at the company's Dunton Technical Centre in Essex, is celebrating Ford Transit's status as International Van of the Year 2007 and record sales for the UK in 2006, by creating an unusual one-off limousine – the Transit XXL.

Transit XXL literally stretches the Transit Tourneo passenger vehicle to new lengths and could well be the longest Transit in the world. It uses 'off-the-shelf' Ford Transit components throughout and is based on two short wheelbase Transit Tourneo models which have been joined together to deliver a bespoke 'limo' that carries the driver plus seven passengers in full VIP comfort.

"Ford has a history of building unusual one-off, fun vehicles that have become legends – the Transit Supervan series, our World Rally Transit and most recently the Transit Connect X-Press which used the powertrain of the Focus RS to create a hugely entertaining vehicle," said Steve Kimber, commercial vehicles director, Ford of Britain.

"2006 was an epic year in the history of Britain's favourite van. Transit sales increased by more than 3,000 units to 74,358. In the medium commercial sector Ford sold more than double the number of vehicles of its nearest competitor. Residual values on new Transit have set a new benchmark and so we enter 2007 ready to continue this success story with new additions and derivatives," he said.

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Transit XXL demonstrates the Ford Transit's flexibility and capabilities. It measures 7.4m in length and has a wheelbase of 5.9m. This compares to the standard Tourneo length of almost 4.9m and wheelbase of 2.9m.

It also has four full sliding doors – two on each side – while the entire vehicle benefits from privacy glass. It has a floor-to-roof carpeted bulkhead behind the rearmost pair of seats which creates a separate luggage compartment accessible only through the tailgate-style rear door.

Power is from a completely standard Ford 2.2-litre, 130PS Duratorq TDCi engine, though the five-speed gearbox has been specially adapted and tuned for optimum gearing to deliver enhanced mid-range performance. The braking system has also been upgraded and uses self-adjusting, servo-assisted front and rear discs.

Dunton , England – 3 January 2007. What would result from the unlikely “marriage” of a low-roof, highly practical Ford Transit Connect van with the power unit and brakes from Ford’s legendary high-performance Focus RS? The answer is the 'vantastic' Transit Connect X-Press - the fastest and most dramatic version of Ford’s tough and highly versatile small commercial to hit the tarmac.

Lower (by up to 70 mm), meaner (with 18-inch OZ alloys) and emitting an exhaust note more akin to that of Ford’s Focus RS WRC, X-Press is an undeniably special Transit Connect. Even if you fail to spot the integral, “race-spec” roll cage fitted inside this one-off vehicle, it would be almost impossible to ignore the pearlescent white paint job set off with tri-colour X-Press graphics.

Ford of Europe's Chief Engineer for Commercial Vehicles, Barry Gale, explained: "Transit Connect is such a strong and dynamically capable vehicle to begin with, that we knew this project would be feasible from the outset. Certain drivetrain and suspension components are common with the first generation Ford Focus, so the transformation was relatively straightforward from an engineering point of view. We now have a unique commercial vehicle that performs like no other. If pushed, it is capable of a 0-60mph time in less than 7 seconds and a 130mph top speed. As you might expect from a Ford, it handles, steers and stops like a sports car.”

Once having seen and heard Transit Connect X-Press, the casual observer would be entitled to wonder why a small and otherwise apparently sensible group of Ford engineers, based at Ford of Europe's Lommel Proving Ground in Belgium, would have devised a plan to build such an unlikely machine. The same observer may be surprised to learn that there are perfectly credible reasons behind the creation of Transit Connect X-Press!

Above all, the team of dedicated engineers who developed the Transit Connect range was eager to demonstrate, in a memorable way, the inherent strength and versatility of the base vehicle. Clearly, it would not be possible to contemplate fitting a high performance, turbocharged and intercooled 215PS engine into such a vehicle with just minimal changes required, unless it was constructed very robustly in the first place.

In short, X-Press provides a clear reminder that Transit Connect is not based on a modified passenger car platform; rather, it was developed, from the ground up, to cope with the tough, unremitting demands made of hard-working commercial vehicles everywhere.

It also underlines the fact that Ford's commitment to developing vehicles that offer a rewarding driving experience applies not just to passenger cars, but equally to Ford commercials. Given that the production Transit Connect has been much praised for its overall driving quality the X-press team had no problems leaving the original suspension system largely intact.

Transit Connect X-Press joins a memorable line-up of dramatic, one-off Ford commercials created over the years both to entertain and to remind the general public of the roles these much-loved workhorses play in everyday commercial life.

These ranged from the original Transit Supervan of the late-1960s, with its mid-engined, Ford “big-block” V8, through the 1980s Cosworth-powered, Formula One-inspired Supervan 2 and 3 models. More recently, the rally-oriented Ford Transit WRT proved that Ford Transit is as tough as ever, even taking a key supporting role in a Playstation 2 rally computer game alongside the Ford Focus RS WRC. The latest Transit 'special' is the stretched Transit XXL limousine, which joins the Transit Connect X-Press in showing off the fun side of Ford's European CV range.

The base ingredients from the renowned yet still exciting 2004 Focus RS and the tough Transit Connect Light Commercial combine perfectly in the X-Press.

From the 2004 Ford Focus RS, engineers took the powerful 215PS 2.0 litre turbocharged and intercooled 16-valve Duratec RS engine. Its 310Nm of maximum torque is fed to the front wheels through a heavy-duty AP racing clutch, a robust, five-speed gearbox with a short-throw shifter and a motorsport-inspired Quaife limited slip differential. Also recognisable from the Focus RS are the Brembo 325mm ventilated front disc brakes teamed with 280 mm solid discs at the rear.

In terms of its suspension the X-Press is almost pure Transit Connect with the McPherson strut front end matched to a classic light commercial vehicle beam axle at the rear.

It has to be said, though, that the front suspension is redesigned and lowered with up-rated offset coil springs and Sachs-provided racing dampers. There are revised lower A-arms with increased roll-centre height and 23 mm anti-roll bar incorporating unique roller bearing locating fixings. At the rear, along with the lowered ride height there are up-rated leaf springs from Olgun Celik and a 22 mm anti-roll bar incorporating roller bearing locating fixings.

Inside, the cabin is unmistakably Transit Connect, but obvious changes like the Sparco race-style leather/Alcantara trimmed bucket seats in black and white, plus a Ford Racing driver / co-driver intercom give the game away. There is a unique-to-the X-Press steering wheel and a flocked interior and centre console with an engine start button, plus a revised instrument binnacle with new graphics and instrumentation incorporating a turbo boost gauge and change-up light.

The Transit Connect X-Press was created by a small team of Ford engineers at Ford's Lommel Proving Ground in Belgium in 2004, and was updated in late-2006 to reflect the latest exterior detail changes to the Ford Transit Connect range.

Since its creation, the Transit Connect X-Press has been seen all over Europe at key motor shows and Ford events, as well as starring in many magazine and newspaper stories at the hands of the media.

"It wasn't difficult really," said Gale. "Once everyone understood what we were doing they all offered to help in their spare time to make special parts or work on the vehicle. It became a true labour of love and as we're basically all car nuts, we're very pleased with the end product."

BRENTWOOD, Essex, 24 February, 2005 – Ford's search for the oldest Transit in everyday use in the vehicle's 40th anniversary year has led the company to a builder with a flat bed Transit of almost the same age. General building contractor Neil Cottam, of Preston, Lancashire, runs a 1966 25 cwt twin wheel Transit, which only has one previous owner.

Neil said: "It was the most original Transit I'd seen, it still has its Perkins 4108 engine. It may not be a museum exhibit but it's fully driveable. It's been on the road for 39 years now and all of that with just 50 horsepower."

Carefully preserved MOT certificates verify that Neil's Transit has covered just 46,000 miles in its lifetime. It takes pride of place on his drive next to his daily workhorse, a thirty years old Transit, registered in 1971.

Gary Whittam, commercial vehicles director, Ford of Britain, said: "It's been fascinating finding out about people like Neil who nurture their Ford Transits. We are very proud that Transit has helped to shape today's Britain, whether that's on a building site or delivering meals on wheels. It's great to hear that the people whose lives are touched by Transit are as proud as we are."

BRENTWOOD, Essex, 10 August, 2005 – Ford of Britain has presented a 15-seat Ford Transit to an East London academy for young leaders to celebrate the centre's achievements and the top selling vehicle's 40th anniversary.

The Ford African Ancestry Network (FAAN) employee group made the donation to Newham's Eastside Young Leaders Academy. The Ford Britain Trust, which makes charitable donations in the communities local to company locations, supported the handover with a £10,000 cheque.

Eastside Young Leaders Academy raises the educational achievements of underperforming boys between the ages of eight and 16 of African and Caribbean descent. The Academy works with schools to supplement the education system by providing after-school activities and support at weekends and during the holidays.

FAAN was founded in 1994 as a self-help organisation for employees which also serves as an in house consultancy to the company on ethnic minority marketing issues. FAAN chair Margaret Adams, a production manager at Ford's Southampton assembly plant where the Transit is built, said: 'The Academy is a significant project, recognising the need to provide sustained support in order to achieve the outcomes young people desire. FAAN will continue to support EYLA by providing mentors to the boys from its members. This will give students the opportunity to see the breadth of opportunities available to them through the eyes of FAAN members.' Ford Britain Trust's contribution will help the Academy provide a library for youngsters to use. Trust director Phil Taylor said: "On behalf of the Trustees I am very pleased to present this cheque to an inspirational cause, and wish the Academy every success in the future."

The Ford Transit has been Britain's best selling commercial vehicle since it was launched in 1965. Ford has a workforce of 4,500 people on its Dagenham estate, which is Greater London's largest industrial centre.

We hit our 100 members this week and passed it in two days with 10 members in one week amazing had a great event at Halewood

The club has been asked to attend an event at Liverpool to help Ford with a photo of 40 vans in the shape of a 40 for a press photo.

Fords rally Transit turned up at the 31th NSVA Nationals to help the club put on a great event

Yes that's right the 5 millinth van came off the line on the 18th July 2005 yet again it was given to Charity, as the Transit marches onward it makes you wonder if this ever lasting and changing van will ever stop being the icon it has become.

The biggest convey of vans ever to use the roads of Europe, The Convoy left the Ford design centre at Dunton in Essex and drove over the closed QE2 Bridge and then onto the Home of the Transit in Southampton to wish the Van a happy birthday 174 vans did the cruise with another 35 joining us on the field, the day raised £2000 for charity and over 12.500 Ford people came through the gate

The Club has been going just over three week and we have 48 members. Club newsletter has been postponed due to the work involved in sorting out the Backbone cruise, But I hope to have it ready to hand out on the day. Club Window stickers are in stock and will be handed out at the event with the newsletter

We are on the map with a bang today the club was launched today by Sarah Kennedy today on Radio 2 with over 2.5 million listeners at the same time the well known Magazine classic van & Pickup did an eight page article on the Transit and quite a few words on the club and the up and coming cruise on the 17th July.

Sarah Kennedy the well known TV and radio Broadcaster has become a Honorary member and had some pictures taken with two Transit vans for the press my 1967 Mk1 and one of Fords new 2005 vans outside the Radio Two head office in London. the pictures are to be used by TV and the press we are hoping to promote the Transit van club get off the ground.

The Essex-based Ford Heritage Vehicle Collection has been boosted with the recommissioning of Transit Supervan 3. Originally built 20 years ago when it was known as Supervan 2, this very special Transit with the heart and lungs of a racing car will spearhead a number of activities next year when the company celebrates the 40 th anniversary of the launch of the Ford Transit range.

Built on a Ford C100 race car chassis and originally powered by a mid-mounted Ford-Cosworth 650bhp 'HB' F1 engine, Supervan 3 first saw the light of day in 1995 when it was displayed at the motor show in Birmingham. For the next few years, in its unique hand-crafted seven-eighths scale fibreglass body, it was used at special events up and down the country before being 'retired' in 2001 after its appearance at the National Van Show in Brighton, where it was presented in authentic Royal Mail livery.

By then the F1 engine had been replaced for reasons of practicality by a Ford-Cosworth Pro Sports 3000 (V6) engine, which it retain today. Power is transmitted via a Hewland gearbox to the rear wheels.

The top speed of Supervan 3 is estimated at around 150mph with acceleration which would not disgrace many sports super cars. Aerodynamic stability at high speed is aided by a deep front splitter and large rear wing.

The recent re-commissioning work also included returning Supervan 3 to its original 1984 highly distinctive Ford Motorsport paint livery.

"Transit Supervan 3 will play a major role in many of the events we are planning in 2005 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Ford Transit," said Gary Whittham, Ford's director of commercial vehicles.

"It looks fantastic, sounds even better and goes like no other Ford Transit van," he added.

Supervan 3 follows in the famous wheel tracks of Supervans 1 and 2. The original Supervan was produced by Terry Drury Racing and made its debut at Brands Hatch on Easter Monday 1971. It was fitted with a 400 horsepower version of the high-performance 302 cubic inch V8 engine used in Ford's Le Mans-winning GT40 sports cars.

Supervan 2 debuted in 1984, at the Donington Truck Grand Prix, and was the work of Auto Racing Technology of Woolaston. Powered by a Ford-Cosworth DFL engine – the long-stroke version of Ford's famous DFV F1 engine. It was clocked at Silverstone doing 174mph. Ten years later and DRL Engineering of Suffolk undertook a complete re-build of Supervan 2 and, fittingly, it was decided to re-name the vehicle Supervan 3.

This latest recommissioning work was carried out by Sporting and Historic Car Engineers of Bicester in Oxfordshire.

Although Ford has lost contact with Supervan 1, which left the company many years ago, Supervan 3 join another high-performance Transit in the Ford Heritage Vehicle Collection. This is the World Rally Transit, which combines all the features of a load-carrying rally support vehicle with higher performance and rally-car-style interior and exterior. Based on the rear-wheel-drive version of the new-generation Ford Transit, the WRT features a tuned 200bhp version of the Ford Duratorq diesel engine. With its rally-style paintwork and distinctive W1WRT registration number it does rather stand out in the crowd. And rally drivers will feel totally behind the wheel as the seats, steering wheel, intrumentation are from an actual WRC Ford Focus which campaigned in 2001.