Ford Transit SportVan – Click above for high-res image gallery
Push comes to shove, the Brits know modern delivery vans better than we do. (Hard to admit, we know.) What we use high-cube trucks, pickups and vans of varying sizes for, they do it all in panel vans. They drive the wheels off 'em, and the Ford Transit (not to be confused with its kid brother, the Transit Connect) is the king of 'em all. In fact, it has for the past 45 years been the best-selling van in the UK. And to celebrate, Ford UK is launching the special edition you see here.
This Ford Transit SportVan is based on the short-wheelbase 260 model and comes equipped with a 140-horsepower turbo-diesel, 18-inch graphite-finish alloys, twin exhaust pipes and a variety of other features, all wrapped up in red with white racing stripes. Only 100 examples will be made, and given the van's popularity on the Isles, we're sure they'll all sell out in a flash. In fact we know they will, since every previous SportVan edition has, including editions in blue with white stripes, grey with silver, black with silver, white with blue and blue with silver stripes.
Unfortunately this is another sport model we'll have to admire from the opposite shore, but driving back home in an SVT Raptor ought to help numb the pain. You know the drill: details in the press release after the jump, photos in the gallery below.
[Source: Ford]
FORD TRANSIT SPORTVAN GOES RED
- Colorado Red paintwork with white bonnet stripes
- 18in graphite colour alloy wheels, twin exhaust pipes and spoilers
- Powered by a 140PS TDCi Duratorq engine
- First medium van with DAB radio as standard
- A limited edition of 100
- On sale end of October at £22,630
The Ford Transit SportVan was first created in 2006 for customers wanting to make a bold statement with their commercial vehicle. All previous models are sold out: Performance Blue with white stripes (500), Sea Grey with silver stripes (80), Panther Black with silver stripes (500), Frozen White with blue stripes (80) and Ink Blue with silver stripes (150).
Ford of Britain's marketing director, Mark Simpson, said: "We know that 'white van man' is image conscious both personally and for his business. The SportVan is a real head-turner as well as a reliable workhorse and that's why they sell out so fast."
The Transit SportVan is based on the popular 260, short wheelbase model with front wheel drive, the 140PS 2.2-litre TDCi diesel engine and a six-speed transmission. The red SportVan will be the first medium van to come with DAB radio as standard.
The exterior features Colorado Red paintwork, Le Mans-style white bonnet stripes, twin exhausts, 18in graphite colour alloy wheels, low profile 235/45 tyres, front and rear lower spoilers, side skirts and extended wheel arches. Standard safety features include ABS, ESP and driver and passenger airbags.
Inside the cab: velour trim, air conditioning, six CD-player with remote steering-column-mounted controls, cruise control, power windows, powered and heated mirrors, leather steering wheel, tinted glass, leather gearshift knob and a perimeter alarm are also standard.
Power deadlocks, rain-sensing wipers, auto headlights, front fog lights and a load area protection kit similarly come on every SportVan. Optional are leather seats, Satellite Navigation FX system with 5in colour screen, LED cargo lights in rear and LED daytime running lights.
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