Full Description
SORRY NOW SOLD – SIMILAR WANTED
Quite possibly the best Mk2 Ford Transit Van 190 with just 3,715 miles.
EQUIPMENT
Hinged cab doors with drop windows, hinged side loading door, twin glazed rear doors, two speed windscreen wipers, electric windscreen washers, black rear quarter bumpers, rear fog lamp, rubber floor mat, face level eyeball vents, two speed heater/demister, fascia mounted fuse panel, interior lights, ‘R’ Module incorporating; speedometer, odometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, four warning lamps. Custom Pack options; Rectangular halogen headlamps, glovebox with lid, cigar lighter, engine compartment lamp, intermittent wipe, additional coat hooks, driver’s door stowage bin, driver’s seat height adjustment. Factory options; Dual passenger seat, ‘Random Stripe’ cloth upholstery.
EXTERIOR
Needing little introduction, the Ford Transit Van has earned legendary status and is without doubt a true British icon. This incredibly rare and unrestored original Mk2 panel van is quite possibly the best remaining example having covered only 3,715 miles from new. The factory paintwork to all original panels in Diamond White, (Code FB), boasts a superb bright shine and uniform finish, a far cry from the usual used and abused workhorses. Minor markings to the large panels are visible upon close inspection, but are utterly insignificant and left untreated as to uphold originality. Trims sections are perfectly preserved including the original lamp lenses with Ford and England branding, and correct features such as the matt black painted windscreen surround remain. The very clean underside has never been welded and is free from all but factory wax protection. Ford Motorsport recreation livery pays homage to Ford’s glorious racing heritage, yet all decals are easily removable without trace. This is quite possibly the luckiest most pampered Transit in history!
INTERIOR
Trimmed in the Custom optional and rather amusingly named ‘Random Stripe’ cloth upholstery, the seats are in as new condition and entirely commensurate with the incredible low mileage of 3,715 miles. In fact, cabin space is largely as it left the showroom in 1982 with the huge dished steering wheel showing natural prominent veins and all switchgear as new. Only slight loosening of the headlining above the windscreen is worthy of mention. Even the original Ford push button radio remains fitted and operational! Factory build plates to the nearside door step remain fitted and the door shuts still have factory wax injection marks. The rear load space is clean, and heavy-duty rubber matting protects the load floor. Door cards to the loading doors, usually destroyed upon regular use are fully intact with minor marks. Massively nostalgic and a delight in every respect.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Powered by Ford’s 2.0 OHC petrol unit developing 78bhp and 147Nm of torque, this 190 model is the largest in the range with Gross Vehicle Weight capacity of 3500kg. The engine bay is spotlessly clean and displays the unpainted chassis stamp, factory wax, plates and original Motorcraft stickers. Motorcraft service items have been used ensuring this powerplant is exactly as Ford intended. The engine having been subject to a full recommission process including a cambelt change in November 2017. The four-speed manual transmission feels incredibly sturdy and tight commensurate with the low miles covered, and changes are delightfully retro via the very long gearstick!
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
All wheels are the original heavy duty pressed steel items with the twin rear wheel configuration, and each rim is in superb condition with factory stampings visible. All six tyres are the factory fitted Uniroyal 185 R14C items which have masses of tread remaining, but a change is advisable if regular use is intended. Dual-line servo-assisted hydraulic brakes with front discs and self-adjusting rear drums operate as they should.
HISTORY FILE
First registered in 1982, the van was supplied to a British Air Force Base in Jersey where it stayed for 9 years until first UK registration on 6th February 1991. There is even a Defence Evaluation Research Agency journey log sheet in the history file! Walkers Bodywork of Watford and Stockport were commissioned to carry out the high-top roof conversion when new and their company plaque remains fitted to the rear door and nearside door step. Forming part of private collections since arrival on the UK mainland, the van spent several years on display at Evans Halshaw Ford in Blackpool before being purchased by Alan and Phil Sherwood, the former being the RS Owners Club RS2000 Registrar. Having lived a life a far cry from the majority of examples, the amazingly low mileage of 3710 miles and careful storage has ensured total preservation of this legendary commercial classic. Although fully operational upon acquisition, KGF Classic Cars have undertaken a process of full recommissioning and replication of the classic Ford Motorsport livery of the 1980’s. Images of this van towing an 80’s RS Escort would draw the crowds at any show! The decals are easily removable without trace should the next owner wish, leaving nothing other than the original badges and Walkers plaques. It is hard to imagine finding a better unrestored example, truly special.
HPI Clear.
