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2025 marks 60 glorious years of the Ford Transit! It is hard to believe that in the last six decades, a huge 13 million Ford Transit's have been produced - testament to the popularity of Ford’s industry-defining van. In fact, over the last 59 years, either the Ford Transit or Ford Transit Custom have taken the crown of the best-selling van in the UK!
To mark the milestone 60th year since the first Ford Transit van left the production line in 1965, Gates will be celebrating with some Ford Transit 60 events taking place throughout September 2025. There will be some Transit-themed birthday events taking place at all Gates Transit Centres on Saturday 13th September. Then, on Saturday 20th September, we’ll be taking part in the Guinness World Record Attempt for the largest van convoy, as some of our Ford Transits join many, many more as they make their way from Dunton Technical Centre in Essex to Chelmsford City Racecourse, culminating in the Transit Festival. Read on to find out more.
The Ford Transit is steeped in history. The first-generation 1965 Transit van was designed to assist UK businesses of all sizes - from local independents to large multinational companies - with a van that offered efficiency and comfort. It benefitted from a flat load floor which provided easy loading as well as plenty of space to transport goods. It's forward-mounted engine meanwhile, delivered a driving experience similar to that you'd get with a car. Transit's popularity was also supported by a vast Ford dealer network - Gates of course, being amongst those dealers having been established for some 45 years at this stage.
The initial three months of Transit production concentrated on building short wheelbase vans however, a versatile model range including long wheelbase, chassis cab, minibus and kombi variants soon followed - much like the Ford Pro offering we see today. It's fair to say that the Ford Transit really took off as by 1966, large fleet operators such as police forces, the military and rail and gas companies were all using Ford's van to carry out their own unique roles.
Our Ford Transit 60th Birthday Bash is almost here and our Transit Centres in Harlow, Stevenage and Waltham Cross will be transformed to give the Ford Transit, the milestone birthday it deserves. Here’s what you can look forward to on the day:
Transit Showcase: We'll have an iconic classic Ford Transit on display at each of our Transit Centre alongside brand new models including the Ford Transit Custom® MS-RT, custom conversions - such as the Ford Transit Custom® Nugget campervan - and the latest electric models including the Ford E Transit™ Custom® and the All-Electric Ford E-Transit™
There will also be music for the ultimate birthday party atmosphere (get your requests in early!) and light refreshments available. What's more, as we are now in September, why not check out our latest New 75 Reg Offers? During our event, you can be guaranteed of some special promotions available across the Ford Pro vehicle range meaning that you could be driving away a 75 plate for less than you might think!
So, why not come along and join the party? Find your nearest Gates Transit Centre. We look forward to welcoming you to our dealerships as we celebrate 60 years of a true Ford icon!
There will be yet more Ford Transit 60 celebrations on Saturday 20th September in the shape of the Transit Festival - held at Chelmsford City Racecourse, Essex.
At Gates Ford, we are particularly excited to be involved with a convoy like no other, taking place in the build up to the Transit Festival - an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the Largest Parade of Vans! Gates Marketing Manager, Anna-Marie Camp, said: "To be involved in a convoy of this scale, and to potentially be part of record-breaking history too, is a wonderful opportunity for the team here at Gates Ford". Anna-Marie continues: "Gates themselves have such a rich history in both the automotive industry, and the Hertfordshire and Essex area, so to be a part of this celebration of one of Ford's most iconic Ford vehicles is very fitting". The convoy will begin at Ford's Technical Centre at Dunton in Essex and will finish at Chelmsford City Racecourse, in time to enjoy all of the festivities that are planned! Watch this space and check out our social media channels for the latest updates, photos and videos of the celebrations.
In terms of the Transit Festival, the day is shaping up to be one of inspiration, entertainment and family fun with workshops and panels, live entertainment, giveaways and plenty of iconic Transit models from the last 60 years. The event runs from 11am until 7pm and is free to attend - if you would like to come along, you can register for the event by clicking the button below