Ford Transit Mk. II LWB, 1983
Ford Transit III
Ford Transit III•
•42 views
Chassis No.: SFAVXXBDVVDY10659
Engine No.: DY10659
Registration: E322 EAY
- Just 147 miles from new
- Surely one of the lowest mileage examples in existence
- Original purchase invoice included
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 U.S. 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. The Mk. II was available in six 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 five 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, six-axle ratios and options for 12-17 interior seats.
This particularly example is quite incredible, possibly unrepeatable, having covered just 147 miles from new. The story goes that this LWB twin axle two-litre petrol panel van variant was ordered brand new on March 18th1983 from Paynes Garages Ltd Hinckley by a Mr Sugden. It was purchased by him personally for his business, but unfortunately the business lost a large contract very soon after and went out of business, meaning the van was surplus to requirements. It then sat in the dealer’s showroom for another three years when the dealer asked if they could register it as they needed to meet their sales target.
It was registered on September 30th 1987 with registration number E322 EAY but still was never put on the road and the bumpers have never had number plates fitted. The original 1983 invoice showing the new price of £7,594.54 is included, as well as the original registration document in Mr Sudgens name. The van is in very good overall condition and is pretty much the way it came out the factory minus some small surface marks and storage imperfections, we are advised it starts first time with the manual choke and idles smoothly. The interior is as expected, affectively as new.
This is the ideal example for a collector or even as a display vehicle for a Ford dealership, it is likely one of if not the lowest mileage example available anywhere and is an opportunity not to be missed. Consigned by Fraser Smith
Interested parties should note that contrary to the catalogue description, this Lot is sold without a V5C registration document and the new owner will need to apply for a new, they will become the second registered keeper from new.
