Tomorrow marks a momentous occasion in the world of commercial vehicles: the Ford Transit, often dubbed the world’s best-selling van, turns 60. It’s a milestone that not many vehicles—let alone workhorses of the road—can claim. Since August 9, 1965, when the very first Transit rolled off the production line, this iconic van has become a fixture on roads and job sites across the globe. According to Ford Authority, the Transit family ranked second only to the Ford F-Series in global sales last year, a testament to its enduring popularity and adaptability.
Over six decades, the Transit has evolved from a simple utility van to a sprawling lineup that now includes the full-size Transit, Courier, Connect, and Custom models. Each offers electrified powertrain options and comes equipped with the full suite of Ford Pro software, reflecting the changing needs of businesses and the push toward greener transport solutions. Ford’s commitment to versatility remains as strong as ever—echoing the company’s original 1965 press announcement: “Every shopkeeper, contractor, ambulance driver, builder, baker or candlestick or holiday maker, can find his own special requirements in Ford Transit.” That sentiment, as Ford notes today, is more true than ever.
The numbers behind the Transit’s success are nothing short of staggering. Globally, over 13 million Transits have been built during the past sixty years, as reported by both Ford Authority and Ford’s official press release. To put that in perspective, a new Transit rolls off the assembly line every two and a half minutes—24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. If you lined up every Transit ever built, they’d circle both the Earth and the Moon. That’s a lot of vans—and a lot of stories behind each one.
Much of this production has taken place in Europe, with 10.1 million units assembled there since 1965, including those built in Türkiye. In the United Kingdom, the Transit has been the best-selling commercial vehicle for 59 of its 60 years—a record that’s hard to beat. Last year alone, overall nameplate sales in the UK reached 96,000 units, accounting for more than a quarter of all light-commercial vehicle sales. The Transit Custom, a mainstay of the lineup, has held the title of the UK’s best-selling van for 11 consecutive years.
The Transit’s influence extends far beyond the UK. In Europe, almost one in five vans sold in 2024 in the 1-tonne and 2-tonne segments was a Ford Transit or Transit Custom, according to S&P Global figures cited by Ford. On average, a new Transit was purchased every two minutes across the continent last year. Sales growth has been remarkable: annual Transit and Transit Custom sales in Europe grew by 52 percent between 2014 and 2024. In fact, four times as many Transits were produced in Europe and Türkiye in 2024 compared with the van’s first full year of production back in 1966.
The Transit’s adaptability is another key to its longevity. Today, there are over 1,300 variations of the 2-tonne Transit available to order, including different body styles, lengths, heights, powertrains, and trim levels—before even considering color or other options. The original Mk1 Transit offered payloads up to approximately 1,700 kg, but today’s Transit panel van can handle more than 2,400 kg. For those who like quirky facts, the largest L4 H3 Transit van boasts a 15.1 cubic meter loadspace—enough to fit nearly 236,000 ping-pong balls!
Ford hasn’t shied away from innovation, either. The electric E-Transit offers an enhanced range option, pushing its driving range up to 402 kilometers—a 28 percent improvement over the standard battery. For those seeking a thrill, the electric Ford SuperVan 4.2 churns out a jaw-dropping 2,000 PS. Meanwhile, Ford Pro Converter partners—217 of them across 18 European markets—ensure that customers can get bespoke vehicles tailored to their precise needs.
Reliability is another hallmark of the Transit. In the United States, where production began at the Kansas City Assembly plant in 2014, more than 1.5 million units have rolled off the line. According to Ford Authority, a remarkable 98 percent of U.S.-built Transit vans are still on the road—a statistic that speaks volumes about the van’s durability, especially given its heavy-duty commercial use. Across Europe, the Transit’s connection to the FORDLiive uptime system enabled an additional 822,000 days of vehicle availability in 2024 alone, helping businesses keep their fleets running smoothly.
The Transit’s role in supporting businesses and communities can’t be overstated. As Ford’s original press materials highlighted, the van has served shopkeepers, contractors, ambulance drivers, bakers, and even holidaymakers. Its flexibility and reliability have made it the backbone of countless enterprises, from small family businesses to large-scale delivery operations. The Transit’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to adapt to changing times, whether that means embracing electric powertrains or integrating sophisticated software to optimize fleet management.
Fans of the iconic van have even more reason to celebrate this year, with the Transit Festival scheduled for September 20, 2025, in Essex, UK. The event promises to bring together enthusiasts, business owners, and industry insiders to honor the van’s six-decade legacy. It’s a fitting tribute to a vehicle that has not only kept pace with the times but has often been at the forefront of innovation in its class.
Looking back, it’s clear that the Transit’s success is no accident. Ford’s commitment to meeting the diverse needs of its customers—offering everything from compact Couriers to full-size electrified Transits—has kept the van relevant in a rapidly changing world. The numbers tell their own story: more than 13 million vans built, a new one every two and a half minutes, and a presence in nearly every corner of the globe. The Transit’s impact is measured not just in sales figures, but in the millions of businesses and individuals who have relied on it, day in and day out, for six decades.
As the Transit turns 60, its future looks as bright as its past is storied. With ongoing advancements in electric mobility, digital connectivity, and vehicle customization, the Transit is poised to continue its reign as the van of choice for generations to come. For now, though, fans and owners alike can pause to appreciate a true legend of the road—one that’s helped keep the world moving, one delivery, one job, and one adventure at a time.