Ford Transit 1986 - World Of Classic Cars -

Ford Transit 1986

The first generation Ford Transit or the Transit Mk.I was introduced in October 1965, taking over directly from the Ford Thames 400E, and has been in continuous production in three basic generations to the present day. The van was produced initially at Ford's Langley facility in Berkshire (a former Second World War aircraft factory which had produced Hawker Hurricane fighters), but demand outstripped the capability of the plant, and production was moved to Southampton until its closure in 2013. In March 1978, a face lifted version, commonly known as the Mk.II Transit, debuted with a restyled nose section, taken from the US Mk.III Econoline, with a new interior, and the introduction of the Pinto engine from the Ford Cortina in place of the Essex V4 unit.

Ford Transit 1986

Many fleet owners experienced premature camshaft wear in early Pinto units in the Cortina and for two years the Transit 75 was available with the 1.6 litre Ford Kent cross-flow engine. High-performance versions intended for police or ambulance use used the 3 litre V6 version of the Essex engine. The Mark II was available in 6 body styles: Van, Kombi, Chassis Cab, Parcel Van, Bus and Crewbus all available in short-wheelbase (2690mm) and long-wheelbase (3000mm) versions. A selection of 5 engines were available: 1.6-litre OHC Petrol, 1.6-litre OHV Petrol (Kent), 2.0-litre OHC Petrol, 2.0-litre OHC Petrol (Economy) and 2.4-litre Diesel. On top of this were 32 door combinations, 6 axle ratios and options for 12 - 17 interior seats.