Ford’s Supervan Stuns at Transit Day Ahead of Its 60th Anniversary!
Ford's 'Transit Day' at the Dunton Technical Center showcased a rebuilt version of the legendary Supervan, setting the stage for the Transit’s upcoming 60th birthday.
For the first time, three generations of the Supervan—Supervan 3, the all-electric Supervan 4.2, and the original Supervan—appeared together, delighting fans.
The original Supervan, debuting in 1971, featured a V8 engine from a GT40 and a Cooper Monaco chassis within a Transit body. Over fifty years later, ex-Ford engineering apprentice Andy Browne painstakingly rebuilt this icon using original parts, as a tribute to the van’s rich history and his friend Terry Drury.
“Terry was an extraordinary character,” Andy said. “He built the original Supervan in a few months, fitting it with a seven-liter Ford Galaxie engine. With support from Ford, it became an iconic marketing tool.”
After its initial campaign, the Supervan was dismantled and passed through several owners. Andy bought the shell in 1973 and, despite having minimal parts, managed to rebuild it thanks to his access to machine shops and a transaxle from Terry.
Andy had to register, tax, and insure the van, convincing agencies of its unique specs and his ownership as a 19-year-old apprentice. He eventually sold the van but retained detailed knowledge of its modifications, which often helped enthusiasts identify the original Supervan.
Years later, with more time and resources, Andy decided to rebuild the Supervan. After numerous leads, he finally found its remains and began a thorough restoration using authentic components.
In 2024, Andy’s tribute to Terry and the Supervan's legacy is nearly complete. The Supervan gained renewed fame after Supervan 4.2's victories at the Pikes Peak Hillclimb and the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
The Ford Transit, celebrating its 60th anniversary on August 9, 2025, marked the occasion with a 365-day countdown at Transit Day, highlighting its enduring legacy as the UK's best-selling commercial vehicle.
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