Highlights

• Rare to find in this fantastic, original condition 
• Practical and stand-out company advertisement 
• Scope to improve or enjoy it and use it as it is 
• Historic vehicle that is MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt 

The Appeal

 

History & Paperwork

• First registered 1st July 1971
• Current owner since 9th June 2021
• Previously white with colour changed to blue on 22nd August 1989
• MOT expired on 14th October 2013 and has covered less than 100 miles since
• Registered as a historic vehicle so usefully MOT and tax exempt and ULEZ compliant 
• The first generation Transit was launched in 1965 with a variety of V4 petrol engines
• This is a facelift model with the rounded rectangular grille 
• The seller acquired it to celebrate the 45th anniversary of his building firm 
• He fitted the : 1975 aluminium dropside rear bed (please note it is not a tipper)
• The previous owner had owned it for over 20 years equipped with a custom camper body 
• We understand that this owner undertook most of the maintenance himself 
• It was repainted during this time 
• The history file includes old MOTs, invoices for parts, receipts for work done and old tax discs going back many years
• Factory operators manual and old Haynes Manual 
• The current owner has checked the van over thoroughly for mechanical and structural issues and found it to all be in order 

 

 

The Interior

• Characterful interior with numerous period details and a real feel of originality 
• The condition reflects this van’s long life as a leisure camper 
• Transits leaned into luxury with wood-effect dashboard that is in remarkable condition
• This is a used but clearly well-loved interior that oozes character 
• Simple single dial and period radio 
• Original door cards are well kept showing some signs of age
• Good headlining that is presentable with no sagging or rips
• Delightfully mismatched seats, one from a high end luxury car, the other from a Sierra Ghia
• Both seats are presentable and their bespoke style is surely part of this van’s appeal 
• There is a certain amount of ‘hand finishing’ to the body colour dashboard sections 
• Switchgear appears to be complete and in used but in presentable condition 

The Exterior

• Presentable exterior repainted by the previous owner in mid blue
• We understand that the paintwork was completed by the previous owner himself 
• The paintwork will never be show-winning, with a few runs visible
• But it looks good from a short distance and surely part of this van’s character
• Solid and usable condition with signs of surface rust but nothing structural 
• The owner runs a building firm and has checked the van over and found no structural issues
• The frame and chassis underneath the aluminium bed is structurally sound 
• The aluminium bed is in good condition 
• The Dripside could be replaced with a catering /vendor body to a bespoke requirement if needed
• All pins, hinges and fasteners in good shape and ready for heavy duty work if required
• Chromework is well presented, only a small dent in the bumper and section missing from nearside indicator bezel to note 
• All electrics work as expected 
• Mirrors and glass are serviceable and without chips or hazing 
• Sits on standard 14in wheels that appear from a later Transit 

The Mechanics

• First generation Transits were usually equipped with petrol V4 engines, either the Taunus or Essex versions
• The chassis plate indicates that this van is fitted with a 55.5bhp ‘C’ code engine
• We were unable to trace these details to identify the exact output but it seems likely to be 1.3l or 1.5l
• Unfortunately the V5 and HPI data does not provide more information 
• This may be something for the Transit sleuths to help us with!
• 4spd manual gearbox 
• We understand that the van drives and runs as it should, starting easily and idling steadily 
• The seller has put the van on a ramp to check the oils, wheels, brakes, chassis and suspension 
• He reports that there are no nasty surprises
• No leaks from the fuel filler pipe just black tape around it to make it look more presentable
• New starter motor and battery recently fitted
• Engine compression tested by the seller and returned healthy results 

Summary