The Ford Transit was first introduced in 1965 and, over the following years, became the backbone of many British road fleets, not least London Transport's. Through several facelifts and redesigns, it has continued to be the principal type for general freight duties as well as some more specialised roles. This article will look at the evolution of the model, with illustrations of the major variants. Click on any labelled thumbnail to see a full-size image.

London Transport bought its first Ford Transits in April 1966 and numbered them 1410F-1415F. Although these all later passed to London Country Bus Services (LCBS), many more similar vehicles followed, including 2019F (shown left) in 1977. This represents the standard 12 or 14 cwt van, which could have either sliding or hinged cab doors. The type was also available as a minibus and this similarly became a regular feature in the service vehicle fleet. 1600F shown on the right was a 12-seat model new in 1970.

Variations of the Mk1 Transit included a long-wheelbase version (which was broadly similar to the long-wheelbase Mk2 described below) and a Parcels Van type with a taller, upright windscreen and flat bodysides.

Further differences resulted from the type of engine fitted. Diesel versions had a squarish grille that protruded into the bonnet line, while petrol ones carried a shallower but wider grille. Both types carried the same raised headlamps. Research has suggested that the only petrol-engined Transits operated by LT were four minibuses bought in 1974, one of which was illustrated in SUP15B.

What I have called the Mk2 Transit first appeared in about 1980 and was a fairly basic restyling of the Mk1. Most of the changes were confined to the front and included a smoothing out of the panels and the fitting of a shallow, matt black radiator grille incorporating square or circular headlamps. More subtle changes were the fitting of black bumpers and windscreen surrounds. 2299F on the left was new in October 1980 and shows the short wheelbase model. On the right is 3000F, in the numbering series introduced for leased vehicles in 1982. This is of the longer-wheelbase model, which also featured a higher roof-line and flared rear wheelarches. Note that this example was fitted with sliding cab doors.

The design was slightly modified in about 1983 when a more pronounced radiator grille started to be used. This featured more deeply recessed slats and headlamps, and the black mouldings were now carried around the side indicators. A594ENJ on the left was a short-wheelbase version that had been new to LCBS as 65F in June 1984. Long-wheelbase 3199F on the right shows the changes more clearly against the standard grey livery.

At about the same time, the first non-van Transits appeared in the service vehicle fleets. 3355F on the left was the first Transit dropside operated by London Transport and was leased in July 1986. A966KEH on the right shows the crewcab variant of this, although the smaller door and lack of windows must have made the back seats seem claustrophobic. Both these vehicles are to the revised Mk2 design.

A more radical restyling of the Transit took place in 1986. The grille and bonnet were reprofiled to flow into the windscreen, giving a much more streamlined appearance. At the same time the side panels were changed such that the position of side windows was indicated by pressings even when they were not fitted. 3383F on the left was new in January 1987 and illustrates the "standard" short-wheelbase version. 4339F on the right is a similar vehicle but with the rarer sliding cab door option.

As with the Mk2 Transit, the long wheelbase Mk3 had a higher roofline, although this now became known as mid-height due to the introduction of taller variants. They also featured corrugated roof panels as seen on 3527F on the left. This example has a long rear overhang. A further option was for an extended wheelbase model, although the overall length appears to have remained the same. The resulting shorter rear overhang can be seen on 4219F on the right.

As mentioned above, a taller height option was introduced for the Mk3 Transit van. This differed from the mid-height roof in not being corrugated, although it did feature a horizontal seam on the sides and two grooves along the top for strength. 3930F on the left is a long-wheelbase version while 2507F on the right is on an extended wheelbase.

The Mk3 minibus was nearly always specified with a mid-height roof, even when on a short-wheelbase. The two side windows on minibus 3851F (left) equate to the two side panels on 3383F above. The longer minibuses usually featured the extended wheelbase, and were fitted with three side windows, as seen on 2506F right.

Some Transits were specified as "Combi" models, which could be converted from minibus to goods use fairly easily. 3657F on the left is similar to 3851F above but curiously lacks the sliding side access door. 3705F on the right combines the wheelbase and overhang of van 3527F with the window arrangement of minibus 2506F. Both carry the short-lived blue livery of London Underground.

Two further variants of the Mk3 van are shown here. 3663F on the left is a crew-van based on the long-wheelbase, mid-height van. Such vehicles featured a second row of seats and were often also fitted with additional nearside or offside windows. 3663F appears to have both, and also shows the screen that separated the seats from the cargo compartment behind. 4950F is an example of the "Jumbo" Transit which featured the high-roof and extended wheelbase options. However, the whole body was stretched by the insertion of a short mid panel, the result being a similar rear overhang to long-wheelbase vans. Note that such vans usually had flared rear wheelarch mouldings added.

The final pair of bodied Mk3 Transits pictures both show relative rarities. 4820F on the left is in fact not a Transit at all! Late in the Mk3's lifespan, an "executive" minibus was offered, based on the short-wheelbase, low-roof van and marketed as the Tourneo. Most featured one piece "tail-gate" rear doors, although only two are known to have been operated by LT. 4981F on the right is a van with the unusual combination of short-wheelbase and mid-height. Both taller and shorter Transits can be seen in the background.

The last three pictures also show a cosmetic change made to the Mk3 Transit in about 1995. The "smiley" grille replaced the original slatted one, and the Ford badge was moved from the bonnet to the centre of this. Closer examination of all the preceeding pictures will also reveal slight differences in the headlamps. Prior to about 1992 the inner top corners were angled, while after that they were radiused.

The Mk3 Transit was also available in other formats, including tippers, dropsides and Luton vans. 3860F on the left was a basic dropside truck with bolster, while 3695F on the right shows the crew-cab version. Note that no doors were provided for the rear seats. Later crew-cabs did have doors, and this, together with the tail-lifts fitted to many later dropside trucks, is shown on 4998F at the top of this page.