Ford Transit celebrates 60 years with history, records, and new horizons

Marking 60 years, Ford Transit recalls its history, celebrates with global events, highlights record sales, and previews its electric and autonomous future.

Sixty years ago, on August 9, 1965, the first Ford Transit rolled off the production line at the company’s Langley plant. Back then, the brand claimed it could meet the needs of any business owner or traveler. Six decades later, the legendary van continues to prove the point — with durability and impressive numbers to match.

Since launch, more than 13 million units have been produced, over 10 million of them in Europe and Turkey. In 2024, nearly one in five vans in its segment sold in Europe was a Ford Transit or Transit Custom. Sales growth has been striking: between 2014 and 2024, demand rose by 52%, and recent production pace averages one van every two and a half minutes.

The model’s history is closely tied to its shifting production base. The first units came from Langley before assembly moved to Southampton, with bodies also built in Genk. In its first eight years, Langley produced more than 300,000 Transits, offering, even in its debut year, multiple wheelbase lengths, body types, and payload capacities.

The anniversary is marked by a series of events. The highlight will be the Transit Festival in Chelmsford on September 20, 2025, drawing enthusiasts from around the globe. Summer brings Transitmania at Santa Pod Raceway, while spring saw rare models showcased at the Classic Ford Show in West Sussex. These gatherings will showcase the van’s journey from its earliest forms to the latest electric versions.

Experimental SuperVan models have added a unique chapter to the story. The first, in 1971, paired a Mk1 body with GT40 underpinnings. Later came even more powerful iterations, including the electric SuperVan 4 producing over 1,800 hp, with the latest Pikes Peak version reaching nearly 2,000 hp.

Today, the Transit is more than a workhorse. It has become part of popular culture — appearing in films, TV shows, and even street art. Looking ahead, the model faces new horizons: electrification is already well underway, autonomous versions are being tested in the UK and US, and the next-generation E-Transit is planned for launch in 2028.