Highlights

Very low mileage of under 22,000
Recently imported from dry state South Africa
Restored by former Ford enthusiast keeper
Rebuilt engine and brake system
Previously part of a classic car museum
Very good cosmetic and mechanical condition
Long MOT to June 2025 with no advisories

The Appeal

Here is a rare treat for commercial vehicle enthusiasts. This magnificent ‘72 Transit V4 arrived in the UK late last year after a cossetted life in South Africa where it was restored and displayed in a classic car museum.

It is a rare South African-market-only pickup that has reportedly covered just 21,590 miles from new. The story goes that it was purchased new by the proprietor of a Ford dealership, who used it sparingly before restoring it and displaying it in his own museum. The restoration work included a full rebuild of the original 2l V4 Essex motor plus a brake overhaul.

It arrived here late last year and has been carefully stored and used sparingly. Unfortunately the history paperwork was lost in, ahem, transit, but the quality of the work and the condition of this stand-out orange workhorse is obvious in the photos.

The Transit is naturally registered as a Historic Vehicle but is sold with a lengthy, advisory-free MOT to June 2025 to add reassurance for buyers. If you’re a classic commercial collector or looking for a distinctive load-lugger to advertise your business, this is a rare opportunity to buy a very good Transit pickup.

The History and Paperwork

First registered 4th April 1972
Originally sold new in South Africa
Remained in South African dry climate to August 2024
First registered in UK in August 2024
Two registered keepers since arriving in the UK
Current keeper since November 2024
Unfortunately the vehicle’s paperwork was lost in transit
V5C in current keeper’s name
Registered as a Historic Vehicle so MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt
Previously part of a South African Ford dealer’s collection and museum
He restored it prior to placing it in his museum according to seller
Very rare ‘bathtub’ pick up only available in South Africa
Original keys and dealership tag included
Dry stored in UK and only used once per month
MOT to 24th June 2025 with no advisories
21,381 miles showing on MOT test and now showing 21,590 miles in photos

The Condition

Extensively restored a few years ago to original factory specification by a previous keeper
This keeper reportedly ran a Ford dealership and owned a collection of vehicles
Finished in stand-out orange with paintwork in very good condition for age
There are some minor chips and touched in areas to note on the back of the vehicle
Bodywork presents well with good panel fit and no obvious deterioration to vulnerable areas
Underside similarly well kept with evidence of undersealing and no structural advisories on current MOT
Factory standard exterior with white steel wheels and white bumpers
Exterior trim, lights and glasswork all present well
Retrimmed interior with black carpets and grey vinyl seats
Unmodified and well preserved cabin with switchgear, dials and dashboard in great order
The grey vinyl seats show some light wear to driver’s side as shown
Underneath the truck and chassis is completely original untouched and never been welded anywhere
Does need new exhaust back box or stainless steel one would look nice
Fitted with neat original features such as original radio and black plastic wheel
We have no reports of electric or switchgear malfunctions
New period Crossply tyres fitted

The Mechanics

1,996cc Ford ‘Essex’ V4 petrol engine
Engine rebuilt by previous collector in South Africa prior to placing in a museum
The vendor tells us that the displayed mileage is genuine
4spd manual gearbox
Vendor reports that the engine ‘runs like a watch’
Very tidy engine bay as shown in photos
Brakes overhauled when engine was reconditioned
No reported running or driving issues
No mechanical or running gear advisories on current MOT

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

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or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..