Although this is now the number one selling light cargo van commercial vehicle in the United States, its origins were actually European. However, for a Ford Transit In Bedford Park, you will be getting an American version.
History
The first ones were made in Germany in 1953 and only had a 1.3 liter engine (production ceased in 1965). 1965 was also the first year for a redesigned British version, oddly enough called the Mark 1 version. These had a range of gasoline and diesel engines up to 3 liters in capacity. The engine was housed under a protruding hood. It had a reasonably comfortable cab for driver and 1 or 2 passengers, two front doors and a large and fairly high enclosed back for goods carriage. Cargo access was from the rear doors.
With each increase in the Mark number, other refinements were added such as a choice of long or short wheelbase. In addition, bare chassis and cab models were introduced for customers to add their own rear compartment for such as mobile ice cream vans. Variants also became popular for use as people movers of the mini-bus type. Other countries were added to the manufacture and availability list. In 1986 the currently familiar aerodynamic sloping front end began to be introduced leading to the shape we know today.
American Markets
By 2014, Transits for North America were being produced at the Kansas City Assembly plant in Claycomo Missouri (the F-150 pickup is also produced there). These have some variations from those available in the rest of the world. If, for example, you purchased a Ford Transit in Bedford Park Illinois nearly all models would have gasoline engines (there is a special edition conversion to natural gas) and 6 speed automatic transmissions.
As an authorized dealer, Hawk Ford of Oak Lawn carries a wide range of both new and pre-owned vehicles. For anyone interested in a Ford Transit for Bedford Park, they are only 5 miles away. Visit Hawk Ford of Oak Lawn at website.
