When you think of a van in the UK, chances are the Ford Transit is the first image that comes to mind. It’s more than just a vehicle; it’s a cultural icon. As it celebrates its 60th anniversary, I think it’s worth looking at why this humble commercial vehicle has dominated the roads for so long and become a cornerstone of the motorhome industry.
🏆 What’s the Secret to Its Success?
The numbers speak for themselves. The Transit has been the UK’s best-selling commercial vehicle for 59 years straight. Its success lies in its incredible versatility and Ford’s ability to adapt to customers’ needs. Since it replaced the Ford Thames back in 1965, it was seen as a breath of fresh air by early motorhome converters like Auto-Sleepers and Dormobile, and it has remained a popular base vehicle ever since. It’s a true global success story, with production even taking place in Turkey for all European models.
🚚 How Has the Transit Evolved?

The Transit of today is a world away from the original. The range has expanded from a simple van to an entire family of vehicles, including the hugely popular Transit Custom (a major rival to the VW Transporter), the Tourneo, and the Connect. This constant evolution, including more car-like driving dynamics in modern versions, has kept it at the forefront of the market. It’s a vehicle that truly gets the job done, whether for business or for your next great adventure.
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Vaughan, Peter. “Ford Transit Celebrates.” What Motorhome, Aug. 2025, pp. 6-7.
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