The 1966 Ford Transit Mark I Parcel Van is a true icon of commercial transport. It represents a major turning point in Ford’s history. This van was a result of a bold new plan. The company wanted to create a single vehicle for all of Europe. The 1966 Ford Transit Mark I Parcel Van did just that and so much more.
The Birth of a Legend
Before the Transit, Ford had separate van models. There was the British Thames 400E and the German Taunus Transit. Ford decided to merge the best of both. The result was a new, unified commercial vehicle. This was a completely clean-sheet design. It was created to meet a wide variety of needs. The project was even called “Project Redcap.”
A New Kind of Van
The Transit’s design was a complete departure. It had a wide track and a forward-control layout. This allowed for a lot of usable cargo space. The engine was placed in the front. This meant there was no intrusive engine cover. It also made maintenance much easier for the owner. It was a very clever design.
The Mark I Parcel Van’s Purpose
The 1966 Transit came in many body styles. The parcel van was a very popular one. It was designed for delivery companies. Its large, square body was perfect for carrying packages. This model was a common sight on city streets. It helped move goods efficiently.
Power, Performance, and Practicality
The 1966 Ford Transit Mark I offered various engines. The parcel van used the British-built V4 Essex engine. It came in both 1.7-liter and 2.0-liter sizes. The 1.7-liter engine had 73 horsepower. The larger 2.0-liter produced 85.5 horsepower. There were also diesel engine options. Those engines were longer and gave the van a unique “bullnose” look. The Transit’s handling was a pleasant surprise. It drove more like a car than a van. This made it very popular with delivery drivers.
More Than Just a Van
The Ford Transit Mark I quickly became a bestseller. It was durable, versatile, and easy to service. Its reliability was what made it a legend. It was used by everyone. Businesses large and small depended on it. This van was a staple of the British economy. Its success proved that a well-designed van could be a huge seller.
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Source: Ford Heritage Vault