Ford celebrates history of Transit van at Southampton plant

Ford has held a celebration of its iconic Transit van at a special event at its assembly plant in Southampton, designed to mark the 100th anniversary of the brand in the UK.

The commemorative gathering saw a collection of 11 different Transits displayed at the facility, showcasing the evolution of a vehicle that has been a favourite of UK van insurancepolicyholders for many decades.

Between them, the vehicles had a combined age of 315 years, with the oldest being a Mark I SWB Transit from 1969 and the most recent being the 2005 Mark VI model, while one specimen was transported to the event all the way from Australia.

This model was a customised 'Last Post' Transit owned by the English-born Australian van enthusiast Major Cliff Parfitt, who brought the former post office machine to the UK from Melbourne having spent considerable time and money personalising it.

The celebrations at Ford Southampton saw more than 400 workers attending, with musician and former Transit owner Talullah Rendall on hand to give a performance.

Peter Lee, founding member of the Ford Transit Van Owners Club and a former Ford employee, said: "The Ford Transit is quite simply the backbone of British motoring. If you have ever ordered anything, chances are it has been delivered to you in a Ford Transit."

According to sales figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, the Ford Transit has been the top-selling van in the UK since 1965, with sales of both the standard model and the Transit Connect variant both seeing increases last month.

The manufacturer revealed earlier this week that it will be showcasing the Transit and other vans to business customers via the TradePoint VIP roadshow, conducted in association with B&Q.

This will involve Ford vans going on display at B&Q TradePoint sites during 37 special events taking place until mid-November.

We search our panel of leading underwriters to find you the best policy

Why choose Performance Direct?

  1. The latest digital systems. Our customers enjoy all the advantages of the digital world. We offer excellent web and app-based insurance services, including a fast, easy-to-use quote engine, and automated customer services allowing hassle-free access to documents and information.

  2. The peace of mind of a Chartered Broker. Everything we do is backed by a team of skilled, experienced insurance professionals. We’re a Chartered Insurance Broker, a family company with a proud 40-year history, so we’re bound by a personal and professional code to deliver the best service for our clients.

  1. We’re independent. Because we’re not tied to any brand or product, we can search the car insurance market to get you the best policies­—from third party policies to fully comprehensive cover. Whenever you ask for a new or a renewal quote, our systems search a panel of up to 100 leading UK underwriters to ensure you get the lowest price and the best policy.

  2. We’re on your side. If you need to make a claim, because we’re completely independent, we work with you to sort everything out and to make sure your claim is paid. Whether you need to sort out a hire car or a new windscreen, our claims service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 

  3. Here for you. Your Online Insurance Account, support features, and on-line quotations are available 24/7, and our office is open 6 days a week.

Combining the advantages of the latest technology with real world experience, Performance Direct promises the lowest prices with the most efficient service.