Ford Transit
The first Transit joined Ford's separate British and German van ideas into one roomy European work vehicle built in many useful forms.
1965 Ford Transit panel van · Calreyn88 · CC BY-SA 4.0
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More than a set of wheels.
Project Redcap became the first Ford developed for all of Europe. The first production Transit left Langley on August 9, 1965, and the least-expensive British launch model was a short-wheelbase petrol van carrying up to 610 kg.
Look a little closer.
Transit nearly launched as the V-Series; a late decision reused the Transit name from Ford's outgoing German Taunus Transit.
Photos show an example of the model or generation. The pictured vehicle’s year, equipment, or modifications can differ from the specification described here.
One van for two Ford companies
Britain's Thames 400E and Germany's FK/Taunus Transit had followed different paths. Ford combined their teams and customer lessons so the new van could serve shops, builders, buses and public services across European markets.
Source: Ford Motor Company · The Ford Transit ↗Choice was part of the engineering
From launch, buyers could choose short or long wheelbases, three payload levels for each length, twin rear doors or a tailgate, different cab doors and an optional side loading door. The van was a system of bodies and duties, not one fixed box.
Source: Ford · Transit evolution backgrounder ↗Where these facts come from
- Ford Motor Company · The Ford Transit
- Ford · Transit evolution backgrounder
- Ford · 50 wonderful Transit facts
Selected facts checked for this edition. Some source pages link to broader model families. Last reviewed September 30, 2026.