Ford Transit: The Workhorse That’s Kept Britain Moving for Nearly 60 Years
There are vehicles you see on the road.
And then there are vehicles you see everywhere.
The Ford Transit sits firmly in the second camp – a van so deeply woven into British business that it’s become part of the country’s identity. Builders, sparks, plumbers, delivery drivers, mobile businesses, fleet operators – they’ve all relied on the Transit at some point.
But how did it become the go-to van for British industry?
Let’s dig into its story.
A Van Born to Work
When the original Transit launched in 1965, the idea was simple:
build a van big enough, strong enough, and versatile enough to serve every trade in Britain.
It caught on instantly.
With its car-like handling, huge load space, and rugged reliability, it quickly beat out the competition – and by the 1970s, if you were running a business, you were running a Transit.
Today, nearly 60 years later, that’s still true.
A Family of Workhorses
The modern Transit is no longer just a single van – it’s an entire range, designed to cover every job imaginable:
Transit Custom
Britain’s best-selling van.
The favourite of trades and SMEs nationwide. Balanced, powerful, and perfect for heavy daily graft.
Transit Connect
A compact, agile van ideal for technicians, couriers, and urban businesses needing efficiency without losing capability.
Transit Courier
Small but mighty – brilliant fuel economy, great handling, and ideal for solo trades or small deliveries.
Transit (Large Panel Van)
The original hero.
Massive load space, high-roof options, rear- and all-wheel-drive variants – the go-to for big fleets and big jobs.
Together, they cover every corner of British logistics, trades, and commercial work – which is exactly why the Transit has become the backbone of urban and rural business alike.
A Modern Transit for a Modern Britain
Today’s Transits come with:
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hybrid and electric options
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modern driver assistance
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connected fleet technology
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improved fuel efficiency
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impressive payload and towing capacity
For many growing businesses, the Transit is no longer “just a van” – it’s a reliable partner and a brand that clients recognise instantly.
Why the Transit Still Dominates British Business
The reasons are simple:
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High reliability
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Low running costs
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Strong resale values
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Massive dealer support
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Configurable for any trade
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A brand with trust built in
No matter how much the world changes, the Transit remains the default choice for people who get things done.
Looking to Finance a Transit or Build a Fleet?
If your business relies on vans, asset finance allows you to upgrade without draining cashflow – keeping you moving while protecting working capital.
If you’re looking to finance the assets that keep Britain moving, get in touch with us at Forest Road Finance.
hello@forestroadfinance.co.uk
0115 794 0226
Forest Road Finance – supporting the businesses that are the backbone of Britain.
