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.

“The road is closed to high-sided vehicles” is a common traffic news comment in stormy weather. High winds can make it unsafe to drive on exposed roads. And while even the biggest of vans are not true high siders, they can be severely buffeted around when empty.

The answer appears to lie in the electronic stability control systems that are now fitted as standard to most modern vehicles. It’s commonly thought of as traction control but is actually able to do much more, using a clever combination of sensors and brake control.

For example, Ford now fits its Side Wind Stabilisation system to all new Transit and Transit Custom vans. At vehicle speeds of more than 50mph, the Side Wind Stabilisation system monitors stability sensors 100 times per second. If a sudden gust is detected, the system will apply the brakes on one side of the vehicle in order to counter the effect of the wind.

You can see the Side Wind Stabilisation system in action in this video from Ford:

“No-one likes that feeling when your vehicle gets caught by a wind gust, or you are passing close to a fast-moving truck,” said Marc Suermann, chassis controls supervisor, Ford of Europe. “This new technology will help make driving less stressful for Transit drivers, particularly on those dark and stormy winter days.”

The new Side Wind Stabilisation system was part of a package of new driver assistance systems introduced on the Transit and Transit Custom alongside Ford’s new EcoBlue diesel engine. Other measures include Pre-Collision Assist emergency braking, which is the first in its segment to include pedestrian detection technology.

Ford has introduced some new models to its Transit Custom range. The new Colour Edition and Sports series models will target buyers looking eye-catching looks and those looking for improved driving dynamics and more aggressive styling.

Ford Transit Custom Colour Edition in Race Red

Colour me happy

The new Colour Edition models are all about style. They will be available in four colour schemes, Race Red, Deep Impact Blue, Frozen White and Shadow Black. Each van will have a contrasting roof, mirror caps, skid plate and side straps, along with black 17-inch alloy wheels.

All models will have a short wheelbase and a standard roof, and will be based on the 290 Trend model. Under the bonnet will be Ford’s new 170PS 2.0-litre Ford EcoBlue diesel engine, with a 6-speed manual transmission. The enhanced chassis settings used on the Sport series van will also be used on the Colour Edition, which should sharpen the driving experience.

The Colour Edition will be available for delivery in Spring 2017, but UK availability will be limited to just 400 units. There’s no word on price, but with so few vans, it might be worth contacting your local dealer if you’re interested.

Sport series gains new body choices

The Transit Custom Sport has hitherto been available in just one body style, the single cab short wheelbase van. Ford has heard the cries from its customers and has now expanded the Sport series to include no fewer than six different variants.

As before, the range-topping Sport series will feature a body kit and a fully colour-coded exterior, including body-colour bumpers, side mirrors and door handles. There will also be body-side mouldings and wheel arch extensions that have been redesigned for the latest model.

The van’s bold appearance will be complemented by new 17-inch alloy wheels in a two-tone silver and black design – with optional silver 18-inch alloy wheels – and twin bonnet stripes in a contrasting colour.

Inside, the seats will boast half-leather trim and the latest interior technologies such as the Ford SYNC connectivity package.

The Sport vans will use the same 170PS Ford EcoBlue diesel engine as the Colour Edition, but buyers will be able to choose between a 6-speed manual and the new 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission option on three of the Sport series variants.

All Sport models are based on the 290 series Transit Custom, with driving dynamics enhanced by a unique chassis specification that’s expected to deliver improved handling, ride and feel.

Changes include a thicker front anti-roll bar and the addition of a rear anti-roll bar. On the van model, this is combined with softer rear springs for increased comfort when lightly laden, along with unique damper tuning, with firmer settings on the rear, for enhanced ride and steering control. Double-cab-in-van models have different spring and damper settings optimised for both handling and rear passenger comfort.

The expanded Transit Custom Sport series is available to order at the end of the year for customer delivery in spring 2017.

Little things can make a big difference when you’re working hard.

Like being able to lock and unlock your van reliably, without having to worry about whether your key fob will still work after having been dropped in a puddle.

Vehicle key fobs fail or need new batteries with tedious regularity. But Ford is determined to rescue hard-working van drivers from this minor form of purgatory.

The company has introduced a new ignition key for Transit and Transit Custom vans that promises to be almost indestructible and should never need a new battery.

Ford tested the key – for Transit and Transit Custom vans – to ensure it could survive being submerged underwater for 30 minutes, dropped 50 times onto a concrete floor and exposed to temperatures from 60deg C to – 20deg C.

Engineers also tested the key using using climatic chambers in temperatures simulating everything from desert heat to arctic cold, and in humidity levels of up to 100 per cent. Further tests included ensuring:

• Dust resistance – five hours surrounded by a fine, penetrating dust
• Chemical resistance – up to 96 hours continuous exposure to diesel, petrol, ethanol, detergents and sweat
• Pocket simulation – four hours non-stop vibration with coins and other keys
• Button durability – 10 button presses with 12 times the usual force
• Endurance – 100,000 activations in temperatures ranging from 50deg C to -10deg C

The new Transit key fob looks like any other ignition key, with a keypad to lock the vehicle and a flip-style key blade. However, to ensure it is completely waterproof, it is permanently sealed shut, with the two halves of the plastic housing joined by friction welding. The inside of the key is carefully designed to resist typical workplace impacts, and a rechargeable battery cell is charged whenever the key is placed in the ignition, to ensure it never runs out of charge.

Personal experience backs up Ford’s claims of ignition key quality. I recently sold a 2001 Transit which I’d owned for eight years. The key fob still worked perfectly.

In contrast, the key fob for my much newer Peugeot car has needed fixing twice in the last three years.

Just another reason to own a Transit, I guess.