It’s not so long ago that Sabine Schmidt came oh so close to besting a Jaguar while lapping the famed Nurburgring. Yesterday, Ford released the very limited edition Transit Sportvan. In homage to that trip around The Green Hell, the cover was pulled off by non other than Ms. Schmidt.
While aimed at tradesmen in the UK, there is little question that this machine would be a sure hit over on this side of the pond. Come on Ford, bring this work van to North America, diesel and all.
Full details from the Ford press release after the break
BIRMINGHAM, NEC, 24 April, 2007 – The covers came off the unique new Ford Transit SportVan today at the Commercial Vehicle Show at the NEC, Birmingham. Famous for her televised ‘race’ around the Nürburgring in a Ford Transit, professional driver, Sabine Scmidtz, was the first to test the new Transit Sportvan and joined Ford’s commercial vehicles director, Steve Kimber, for the unveiling.
Steve Kimber said: “I think this stunning new van will appeal to a part of the British market we’ve not seriously courted before – the single or small operator. Transit SportVan is all about style and individuality. It’s for people who love Transit and want to be a bit different – and there’s plenty of our customers who feel that way!”
The limited edition Transit SportVan has been created for those who want to make a bold statement. The additions have been made to the popular 260, short wheelbase, front wheel drive, 130PS model.
The exterior comes to life with the unique performance blue paintwork, Le Mans style white bonnet stripes, twin exhausts, 18-in ’snowflake pattern’ alloy wheels, low profile 235/45 tyres, body colour grille and front bumper, front and rear spoilers side skirts, extended wheel; arches and mudflaps all around.
Inside the cab the features are just as impressive: leather seats, air conditioning, six CD-player with remote steering column-mounted controls, cruise control, power windows, power and heated mirrors, leather steering wheel, tinted glass and leather gearshift knob.
Further standard features include: power door deadlocks with second key fob, rain-sensing wipers, auto headlights, front fog lights, passenger airbag and load area protection kit.
Sabine Scmitdz, one of the Nürburgring’s official ‘taxi’ drivers, reached international fame when she challenged BBC Top Gear’s Jeremy Clarkson to a time race around the ‘ring’ in a Ford Transit.
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
I like it.
Cool looking van. Too bad it is a limited edition. It’s back is very much useful for a small vehicle. It can be good for small deliveries.
i recently bought one and im more than impressed with it, you should see the faces on the boy racers when they realise they`ve been blown off by a transit
That’s cool Paul. Now if they would just sell it here in NA
I want this truck now! Who do we have to threaten to get to Canada?
I just had confirmation from Ford Canada that the Connect will be in Canada for the 2010 model year. They are still not sure if it will be diesel or gas. Diesel, please.
Just got my transit sport 140 bhp , well happy, very fast and smooth ride.
i av mine 8months now black with silver stripes full 3600watt sound system nd green neon lights underneath and iv a 97 smiley front rear weel drive going to stick a cossie in it
That sounds pretty cool!