SPOT.
Photo of a Ford Transit

Ford Transit

One van to unite Ford's Europe. More than 13 million built in 60 years.12

Researched October 26, 2026 from 33 sources

Also called

  • Backbone of BritainFord's phrase for a van offered in enough configurations to suit almost any job.3
  • Pig snoutThe early Perkins diesel needed a longer hood because its engine would not fit behind the standard stubby nose.1
  • Britain's most wanted vanThe Metropolitan Police's 1972 label after it claimed Transits were used in 95% of bank raids.1

At a glance

0200400
39.5–310 hpPower
012.525
6.7–21 s0–60 mph
0100200
156.1–157.7 km/hTop speed
0300600
310.5–542.3 N·mTorque
01,5003,000
2,499–2,845 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.9101114151617

Engine
Essex/Cologne V4s, V6s; TDCi diesels; E-Transit Base: 265 hp, 430 Nm1812
Layout
Combustion: front-engine, FWD/RWD/AWD; E-Transit: RWD112
Gearbox
2007–12 Australia: 5/6-speed manual; 2015: 6-speed auto; 2020: 10-speed auto91113
Built at
Langley, UK; Genk, Belgium; later İzmit, Turkey; Kansas City, USA15
Units built
More than 13 million worldwide in its first 60 years2

The story

Henry Ford II wanted Ford's British and German engineers working together. Project Redcap put Ed Baumgartner in charge of product planning, with Alex Trotman on the team; the 1965 Transit brought car-like comfort and performance.1456

1965: Langley builds the first Transit19651984: York diesel adopts direct injection19842000: Front-wheel drive joins the lineup20002006: 2.2 and 2.4 TDCi arrive20062013: Southampton closes; İzmit takes over20132015: One Ford takes Transit to America20152017: 12 seats, 0–60 mph in 7.6 seconds20172020: AWD, ten speeds and a Crew cabin20202025: 60 years and over 13 million built2025 Ford FK1000/FK1250 and Taunus Transit (FK1000/FK1250): 1953–1965FK1000/FK1250Ford Thames 400E (400E): 1957–1965400EFord E-Series passenger and cargo vans: 1961–2014Ford E-Series passenger and cargo vansFord Transit (first generation) (Mark I): 1965–1977Mark IFord Transit (Mark II facelift) (Mark II): 1977–1986Mark IIFord Transit (second generation) (VE6): 1986–1994VE6Ford Transit (second-generation facelift): 1994–1999Ford Transit (third generation): 2000–2005Ford Transit (third-generation facelift): 2006–2013Ford Transit (fourth generation): 2014–present 1960197019801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones136781020212223
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1953–1965Ford FK1000/FK1250 and Taunus Transit (FK1000/FK1250)
1957–1965Ford Thames 400E (400E)
1961–2014Ford E-Series passenger and cargo vans
1965–1977Ford Transit (first generation) (Mark I)
1977–1986Ford Transit (Mark II facelift) (Mark II)
1986–1994Ford Transit (second generation) (VE6)
1994–1999Ford Transit (second-generation facelift)
2000–2005Ford Transit (third generation)
2006–2013Ford Transit (third-generation facelift)
2014–presentFord Transit (fourth generation)
1965Langley builds the first Transit
1984York diesel adopts direct injection
2000Front-wheel drive joins the lineup
20062.2 and 2.4 TDCi arrive
2013Southampton closes; İzmit takes over
2015One Ford takes Transit to America
201712 seats, 0–60 mph in 7.6 seconds
2020AWD, ten speeds and a Crew cabin
202560 years and over 13 million built
  1. 1965

    Langley builds the first Transit

    The first Transit leaves Langley, England, on August 9; its public debut follows in October, succeeding the Thames 400E.15

  2. 1984

    York diesel adopts direct injection

    After replacing Perkins in 1972, Ford's York diesel is redesigned as the 2.5 L DI unit, switching to direct injection.1

  3. 2000

    Front-wheel drive joins the lineup

    The new Transit offers front-wheel drive for the first time, lowering the load floor. International Van of the Year follows in 2001.37

  4. 2006

    2.2 and 2.4 TDCi arrive

    The facelift adds common-rail 2.2 L diesels and rear-drive-only 2.4 TDCi units, each with three outputs. A 3.2 L diesel joins in 2007.8

  5. 2013

    Southampton closes; İzmit takes over

    Ford closes Southampton and redirects production to its İzmit factory in Turkey; the van had first been built at Langley.1

  6. 2015

    One Ford takes Transit to America

    After 7 million sales, Transit reaches America for model year 2015 under Alan Mulally's One Ford plan. Kansas City builds the E-Series van successor.9

  7. 2017

    12 seats, 0–60 mph in 7.6 seconds

    The 12-seat 350 Passenger Wagon EcoBoost clocks 0–60 mph in 7.6 seconds; Passenger Wagon choices span 8–15 seats.10

  8. 2020

    AWD, ten speeds and a Crew cabin

    Crew adds a second seating row, AWD becomes an option, and a ten-speed automatic joins the lineup. The 3.2 L five-cylinder diesel is dropped.11

  9. 2025

    60 years and over 13 million built

    More than 13 million Transits have been built worldwide. The longer-range E-Transit reaches up to 402 km, 28% beyond the standard battery.25

Every generation

  • Ford FK1000/FK1250 and Taunus Transit
    FK1000/FK12501953–1965
  • Ford Thames 400E
    400E1957–1965
  • Ford E-Series passenger and cargo vans
    Ford E-Series passenger and cargo vans1961–2014
  • Ford Transit (first generation)
    Mark I1965–1977
  • Ford Transit (Mark II facelift)
    Mark II1977–1986
  • Ford Transit (second generation)
    VE61986–1994
  • Ford Transit (second-generation facelift)
    Ford Transit (second-generation facelift)1994–1999
  • Ford Transit (third generation)
    Ford Transit (third generation)2000–2005
  • Ford Transit (third-generation facelift)
    Ford Transit (third-generation facelift)2006–2013
  • Ford Transit (fourth generation)
    Ford Transit (fourth generation)2014–present

Power over the years

From 63 hp to 310 hp in 50 years.

0100200300400 197019801990200020102020 hp 1965 · 63 hp · 1.7 L Essex V4 (net; 73 hp gross)2007 · 130 hp · SportVan 2.2 TDCi2008 · 113 hp · 2.2 TDCi front-wheel drive2011 · 198 hp · SuperSportVan one-off, 3.2 TDCi2015 · 185 hp · 3.2 diesel beats Sprinter and ProMaster2015 · 275 hp · 3.7 L V62015 · 310 hp · 3.5 L EcoBoost V62017 · 310 hp · 350 Passenger Wagon EcoBoost V62020 · 310 hp · 350 Crew AWD twin-turbo V6 310 hp 3.5 L EcoBoost V6 63 hp 1.7 L Essex V4 (net; 73 hp gross)
89101114151718
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
1965631.7 L Essex V4 (net; 73 hp gross)
2007130SportVan 2.2 TDCi
20081132.2 TDCi front-wheel drive
2011198SuperSportVan one-off, 3.2 TDCi
20151853.2 diesel beats Sprinter and ProMaster
20152753.7 L V6
20153103.5 L EcoBoost V6
2017310350 Passenger Wagon EcoBoost V6
2020310350 Crew AWD twin-turbo V6

Versions

12 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Van, Chassis Cab and Cutaway

    Standard

    Van, Chassis Cab and Cutaway

    2015

  • Passenger Van / Tourneo

    Standard

    Passenger Van / Tourneo

  • Standard

    Passenger Wagon XL

    2015

  • Standard

    Passenger Wagon XLT

    2015

  • Mk1 Diesel / V6

    Standard

    Mk1 Diesel / V6

    1965–1977

  • Transit 4×4

    Standard

    Transit 4×4

    1982

  • Standard

    350 Crew AWD 3.5TT

    2020

    310 hp
  • E-Transit

    Standard

    E-Transit

  • SportVan

    Special

    SportVan

    2007

    130 hp
  • Transit Trail

    Special

    Transit Trail

    2023

    310 hp

  • Limited

    Transit Hallmark

    1995

    600 built

  • Special

    Transit SuperSportVan

    2011

    198 hp

    1 built

How to spot one

Look for

  • Mk1: round headlights in peaked fenders, with chrome lamp surrounds.3
  • Mk1 V4 petrols have a stubby nose; diesel and V6 versions wear the longer 'pig snout'.13
  • 1986-era vans look boxy with a Sierra-like nose, large headlights and big amber indicators.3
  • 2000-era vans have sharp body lines, combined headlights and indicators, and a rectangular grille.3
  • 2017 Passenger Wagon: sloping nose and front side-window bases that dip downward.10

Year by year

  1. 1971 facelift

    V4 vans gain a rounded rectangular grille and padded dashboard; the diesel/V6 'pig snout' front stays unchanged.1

  2. 1977–1986

    Longer nose and plastic grille/light panel; early Mk2s have round headlights, later ones square. A full-width plastic dashboard replaces Mk1's.13

  3. 1986 redesign

    Smoothly integrated 'one-box' bodywork replaces the older shape, with big headlights and large amber indicators.36

  4. 1994 facelift

    Oval 'smiley' grille replaces the straight opening; inside, a rounded dashboard replaces the angular gray design.37

  5. 2000 redesign

    Cleaner, sharper lines, a rectangular grille and combined headlight/indicator units replace the smiley face.3

  6. 2006 facelift

    Headlights grow taller, grille and bumper merge visually, and the shifter moves onto the dashboard.38

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Ford Transit
    Transit
    Photo of a Ford Transit Custom
    Ford Transit Custom

    Ford Transit Custom

    The Custom is the medium-size, front-wheel-drive van; the full-size Transit has the larger body.7

  • Photo of a Ford Transit
    Transit
    Photo of a Ford Transit Connect
    Ford Transit Connect

    Ford Transit Connect

    Look for size: Transit Connect is the small van, while Transit is the full-size model.7

Prices

Value today $22.8K–$43.0K2728

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$20K$40K$60K 20142016201820202022202420262028 Value today: $22,750–$43,000 2015 · $30,560 · US base2015 · $37,925 · US base, 150 Power Stroke2015 · $42,180 · US tested, 150 Power Stroke2017 · $42,535 · US base, 350 XLT EcoBoost2017 · $49,220 · US tested, 350 XLT EcoBoost2020 · $51,380 · US base, 350 Crew AWD high-roof2020 · $55,515 · US tested, 350 Crew AWD high-roof 2015 · $30,560 · US base price, 2015 model year 2026 · $43,000 · 2023 350 XL passenger wagon, 9k miles, BaT2026 · $22,750 · 2016 150 XL Passenger Wagon, 34k miles, BaT2026 · $24,000 · 2017 250 Sherrod conversion, 112k miles, BaT2026 · $35,000 · 2018 350 XL 15-passenger, 10k miles, BaT2026 · $57,500 · 2021 350 HD XLT AWD camper, 47k miles, BaT $57.5K BaT, 2026
9101117272830313233
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2015Launch price$30,560US base price, 2015 model year
2015Price when new$30,560US base
2015Price when new$37,925US base, 150 Power Stroke
2015Price when new$42,180US tested, 150 Power Stroke
2017Price when new$42,535US base, 350 XLT EcoBoost
2017Price when new$49,220US tested, 350 XLT EcoBoost
2020Price when new$51,380US base, 350 Crew AWD high-roof
2020Price when new$55,515US tested, 350 Crew AWD high-roof
2026Auction sale$43,0002023 350 XL passenger wagon, 9k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$22,7502016 150 XL Passenger Wagon, 34k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$24,0002017 250 Sherrod conversion, 112k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$35,0002018 350 XL 15-passenger, 10k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$57,5002021 350 HD XLT AWD camper, 47k miles, BaT
2026Value today$22,750–$43,000

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 12 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 14 stories from its legend
    • “Monza: 16,000 km at 118.583 km/h”
    • “SuperVan 1 hid a GT40 V8”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 10 generations

  • Market

    • 5 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 33 sources
  1. Ford Transit - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  2. Al 60 jaar onderweg – Het verhaal van de niet te stoppen Ford Transit in cijfers | Ford Media Center fordmediacenter.nl
  3. The Ford Transit story – Haynes Manuals United Kingdom uk.haynes.com
  4. Fanfare for the Common Van – Part 1 – Driven to Write driventowrite.com
  5. Ford Transit – 60 lat i 60 niezwykłych faktów - Biuro prasowe Ford Polska fordmedia.pl
  6. Classics of everyday design No 15 | Design | The Guardian theguardian.com
  7. Evolution of the Ford Transit van selectcarleasing.co.uk
  8. Ford Transit buying guide – Haynes Manuals United Kingdom uk.haynes.com
  9. 2015 Ford Transit First Drive - Motor Trend motortrend.com
  10. Tested: 2017 Ford Transit 350 Passenger Wagon EcoBoost V-6 caranddriver.com
  11. Tested: 2020 Ford Transit 350 Continues to Outpace its Rivals caranddriver.com
  12. Ford E-Transit® | Ford UK ford.co.uk
  13. Buying a used Ford Transit (2007-12) - carsales.com.au redbook.com.au
  14. Fanfare for the Common Van (Part 2) – Power and Glory – Driven to Write driventowrite.com
  15. Ford Transit Sportvan— April 2007 - What Van? whatvan.co.uk
  16. Remembering when Top Gear presenter Sabine Schmitz raced a Ford Transit around the Nürburgring - ABC News abc.net.au
  17. Diesel Van Comparison Test: Transit vs. Sprinter vs. ProMaster caranddriver.com
  18. Race The Stig's Digital Cousin in the "Forza Motorsport 5" Top Gear Car Pack - XBOX Wire news.xbox.com
  19. 2023 Ford Transit Trail Preview jdpower.com
  20. FK 1000/1250 | Motomobil GmbH motomobil.com
  21. Ford Thames 400E - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  22. Ford E-Series - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  23. Ford Transit Mk4 common problems (2014-present) – Haynes Manuals United Kingdom uk.haynes.com
  24. Ford SuperVans assemble at Festival of Speed | GRR goodwood.com
  25. How Ford Turned a Transit Van into a Record-Breaker - Racecar Engineering racecar-engineering.com
  26. The Ford Transit Van Looks Back On Years Of Weird Adventures jalopnik.com
  27. No Reserve: 2016 Ford Transit 150 XL Passenger Wagon for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $22,750 on September 7, 2026 (Lot #261,927) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  28. 2023 Ford Transit 350 Medium-Roof 9-Passenger XL Wagon for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $43,000 on February 14, 2026 (Lot #230,042) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  29. Ford Transit Camper Restoration — Safe Hands, 24 Years happycampergroup.co.uk
  30. Ford Transit For Sale - BaT Auctions bringatrailer.com
  31. No Reserve: 2017 Ford Transit 250 Sherrod Conversion Van for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $24,000 on October 14, 2026 (Lot #268,354) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  32. No Reserve: 10k-Mile 2018 Ford Transit 350 XL 15-Passenger Van for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $35,000 on October 5, 2026 (Lot #266,650) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. 2021 Ford Transit 350 HD XLT AWD Camper Conversion for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $57,500 on March 26, 2026 (Lot #235,100) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • fordmediacenter.nl
  • uk.haynes.com
  • driventowrite.com
  • fordmedia.pl
  • theguardian.com
  • selectcarleasing.co.uk
  • motortrend.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • ford.co.uk
  • redbook.com.au
  • whatvan.co.uk
  • abc.net.au
  • news.xbox.com

Photo credits

Other car files