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Ford Transit Van Turns 60 – Britain’s Most Popular Van Celebrates a Milestone

Group of smiling people in party hats holding a birthday cake with candles, standing in front of red, white, and blue Ford Transit Vans, celebrating the 60th anniversary of Britain’s most popular van.

This weekend, the Ford Transit Van turns 60 and we’re raising a spanner (and maybe a brew) to the workhorse that’s kept Britain moving for six decades. In this special edition, we couldn’t let the milestone pass without celebrating the van that’s been part of so many local businesses, trades, and even our own workshop life here in Scunthorpe. You’ll find history, cultural moments, fun facts, and a look ahead to what’s next for the UK’s favourite van.



The Story of the Ford Transit Van

Born in 1965 at Ford’s Langley plant in Berkshire, the Transit was designed to be the ultimate load-lugger for tradespeople, delivery drivers and small businesses. With its boxy shape, wide loading space, and rugged reliability, it quickly became the van of choice - so much so that by the 1970s, the name “Transit” was being used as shorthand for any panel van.


From the factory floor in Langley to later production in Southampton, the Transit stayed proudly British-built until 2013, when manufacturing moved to Turkey. But its heart, and most of its mileage, has never left our roads. Even today, it’s still the UK’s best-selling commercial van, topping the charts year after year.


White Ford Transit Van on a turntable under dramatic stage lighting, surrounded by other Ford Transit Vans in a semi-circle, marking its 60-year legacy in British business.

Why the Transit Still Rules the Roads

  • Decades of dominance – Around 3 million sold in the UK alone since launch.

  • Made for business – Built for trades, fleets, and deliveries, it’s been a partner in everything from plumbing jobs to parcel runs.

  • Adaptable and tough – From ice cream vans to police riot control, the Transit’s done it all.

  • Shaping the industry – Its design set the template for every European panel van that followed.


Part of British Culture

It’s not just a van; the Ford Transit van is part of the national character. In the 1970s, the Metropolitan Police claimed it was the getaway vehicle in 95% of bank raids and robberies, earning the nickname Britain’s Most Wanted. It’s been the tour bus for rock bands, the on-screen star in The Sweeney and Top Gear, and the behind-the-scenes hero of everyday life - quietly delivering the goods for millions of small businesses.


Ford Transit Van interior with three masked men and cardboard boxes, referencing the van’s 1970s reputation as the getaway vehicle in most UK bank raids and robberies.


Things You Didn’t Know About the Ford Transit

  • Game-changer from day one – The Transit was the first van developed jointly by Ford UK and Ford Germany, creating a wider, more versatile body than its rivals.

  • Why so many white ones? – Early Transits were often white because it reflected heat better in the pre-air-con days, keeping drivers cooler.

  • The police love/hate relationship – Loved it for its space and reliability, hated it because criminals loved it too.

  • It’s gone electric – The E-Transit, launched in 2020, delivers a zero-emission option with up to 196 miles of range.

  • It’s been everything – Mobile libraries, ambulances, ice cream vans, race car haulers, even rally support trucks.

  • Driver hacks shape design – One owner famously used a plank on the steering wheel as a lunch tray. Ford later designed a built-in version.

  • Still top dog – Nearly 60 years on, it’s still the UK’s best-selling commercial vehicle, outselling its nearest rival several times over.


Line-up of Ford Transit Vans in multiple colours — blue, red, and white — parked on a British high street, showing the model’s range and popularity.

Looking Ahead

The Transit isn’t done yet. With electric and hybrid models joining the line-up, and tech like built-in connectivity for route planning and fleet management, it’s evolving for a new generation of business owners.


And for us in the repair trade? Let’s just say if you run a body shop in the UK, you know Transits. With so many on the road, they’re among the most common vehicles to roll through our doors. We’re staunch supporters of keeping local Ford Transit owners mobile, safe, and ready for the next job.


Here’s to another 60 years of Britain’s hardest-working van.


Close-up of a white Ford Transit Van with a large red ‘60 Today’ rosette attached to the bonnet, celebrating the van’s 60th anniversary.

Key Takeaways

  • Designed in 1965, British-built until 2013, still No.1 choice.

  • Over 3 million sold in the UK.

  • Cultural icon, from bank raids to Top Gear.

  • Now available in electric with up to 196-mile range.

  • Still a common sight in local repair shops - including ours.


TL;DR

Ford Transit celebrates 60 years as Britain’s most popular van. Born in 1965, it became the go-to for trades and fleets, starred in British culture, and continues to lead the market - now with electric models.


Top 5 FAQs

  1. When was the Ford Transit launched? – 1965 at Langley, Berkshire.

  2. How many Transits have been sold in the UK? – Over 3 million.

  3. Is white still the most popular colour? – Yes, largely due to tradition and resale value.

  4. Is there an electric Ford Transit? – Yes, the E-Transit launched in 2020.

  5. Why is it called “Britain’s Most Wanted”? – It was the getaway vehicle in 95% of 1970s bank raids.


Rows upon rows of white Ford Transit Vans parked in a large compound, showcasing the scale of Britain’s most popular commercial vehicle and its dominance on UK roads for 60 years.

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