The Ford Model TT van was launched in 1917 and was the company’s first purpose-built van.

Did you know that 2017 marks the 100th anniversary of the first purpose-built van made by Ford? I didn’t either, but it turns out that back in 1917, Ford launched the Model TT.

The TT was a purpose-built one-tonne van, making it the direct equivalent of today’s Transit Custom. Obviously much has changed. But as these pictures from the Ford archives make clear, in some ways very little has changed. Like the Transit Custom, the TT provided a flexible and highly customisable way for businesses to transport more or less anything.

The Ford Model TT loaded with straw. Obviously wide loads weren’t such an issue then as they might be now…

The TT had solid tyres and was started with a crank handle. Operators wanting more comfort could specify air-filled rear tyres, which were something of a luxury at that time.

A Ford Model TT with a caged rear body — as used by gardeners and scrap dealers today!

I’ll leave you with this fascinating titbit. According to a study commissioned by Ford, 46% of Britons believe that a “Transit” refers to a specific size of van. Almost a quarter of those questioned used the word “Transit” to describe a typical panel van.

Like it or not, the Transit really is part of the fabric of life in the UK.