The Ford Transit came into our lives in 1965, and boy, what would we do without it? Serving everyone from tradesmen, such as builders and electricians, to celebrities, with many bands (most recently, The Coral) using them as a tour bus to carry all their instruments.

Like a fine wine, the Ford Transit has got better with age… and better looking. With its practicality and style it is no wonder it has lasted so long. Being, essentially, the back bone of Britain.

The ‘Mark 1’ Ford Transit was initially produced in Ford’s Langley facility in Berkshire, but when demand became too great, production was moved to Southampton where it remains to this day. Henry Ford Jnr’s genius idea to combine the engineering skill of Ford of Britain and Ford of Germany to manufacture a prototype of the Ford of Europe. Before this, the two countries had avoided competing in each other’s domestic market but had been in direct competition in other European markets. The Mark 1 ran from 1965 – 1978, until Ford brought out the Mark 2 Ford Transit…

The ‘Mark 2’ Ford Transit was released in March 1978, and was a face lifted version of the Mark 1. It came with a restyled nose, new interior and a new engine. The engine was taken from the Cortina in place of the Essex V4. High performance versions that were intended for the Police and Ambulance service used the 3.0 L V6 version of the Essex engine. The Mark 2 Transit ran from, 1978 – 1986.

1986 saw the introduction of the ‘Mark 3’ Transit Van. This was most noticeable for its completely revamped body shell with its ‘one-box’ design.

Meaning, the bonnet and the windscreen were at the same angle. The engine range was mainly unchanged from the mark 2 versions, although, in the 1989, the 30 V6 petrol engine was replaced by the 2.9 EFI V6.

A slight facelift in 1992 saw fully independent suspension adopted across the Transit range. With that came a redesigned floor pan, which allowed the use of single, rather than paired, rear wheels on the LWB version - further increasing payload.

The ‘Mark 5’ model was introduced in 1994, bringing with it a major facelift including a completely new nose and dashboard. At this time, air conditioning, electric windows, central locking, electric mirrors and airbags were all made available as optional extras.

The turbo diesel was introduced with 85 BHP, 100 BHP and 115 BHP variants with an electric fuel pump.

For the 30th anniversary of Transit, in 1995, Ford released a limit edition called the Transit Hallmark. Six hundred were made available in 3 colours, 200 of each.

The VE83 (Mark 5) was made available up until 2000.

Ford Transit ‘Mark 6’ was introduced in 2000 and ran up until 2006. This model borrowed styling cues Ford’s “New Edge” designs like the Focus and the KA.

Developed in the US, the main upgrade of this model was the availability in both front and rear wheel drive. This model also shared engines with Jaguar X-Type, good news for a Transit drivr, not so good news for a Jaguar X Type driver.

And then we come to this, the present version of the Ford Transit. Originally produced in 2006, the new Transit was made on sale with a complete facelift.

Some new features include new front and rear lights; a new front end; a new interior featuring the gearstick on the dashboard as well as incorporating Ford’s new corporate radio design. Besides the styling changes, the powertrains were all revised. The old petrol engine was replaced with on from the Ford Range, the front wheel drive diesel went from 2,air max usa.0 to 2.2 capacity, and all diesel engines gained high-pressure common rail (TDCi) systems.

The new version saw the Ford Transit win the International Van of the Year in 2007 despite strong competition from various new rivals.

2010 sees Ford bring out the all new ‘Sapphire’ model of the Transit to celebrate its 45th birthday.

All Transit Sapphire models feature the same specification as Transit trend with the addition of air conditioning (standard feature in existing Transit SportVan), silver painted grille, silver mirror caps and rear light guards.

All Transit Sapphire models are available in the unique Ink Blue metallic paint, they can also be ordered in frozen white, panther black and sea grey.




The Nissan North America, Inc. has officially launched it most recent addition to the legendary Z sports car clan. The automaker has proudly pulled the wraps off the all-new NISMO 350Z at the much-concluded New York International Auto Show (NYIAS).

NISMO is one of the leading providers of high-performance aftermarket parts and accessories for Nissan vehicles worldwide. This new NISMO 350Z is the fifth in this year’s 350Z Coupe lineup. The car features a comprehensively developed list of unique equipment such as the special body package and enhanced handling equipment. The vehicle is set to go on sale in July this year at Nissan dealers nationwide.

The most captivating visual feature of the NISMO 350Z is the aerodynamics package. The car is specially designed to resemble the Super GT championship winning Zòs. Moreover, the NISMO 350Z features an aggressive front fascia mated to chin spoiler and side skirts. It is also given an extended rear fascia with underbody diffuser and a rear wing to blend well with its powerful stance. The NISMO 350Z delivers additional aerodynamic downforce to offer enhanced cornering and handling capabilities.

Worth-noting extra performance features of the sports car include a special NISMO-tuned independent multi-link suspension, Brembo brakes with four-piston front and two-piston rear calipers, Nissan release bearings, and distinct NISMO-branded gunmetal gray RAYS super lightweight forged-alloy wheels. To further boost the performance of the car, a NISMO-branded tuned exhaust is integrated to the car to deliver an even more reliable tone to the Zò’s V6 engine.

The NISMO 350Z package also includes full complement standard features like the new VQ35HR 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 306 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque. Aside from the powerful engine, it is also offering a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission, the Traction Control System (TCS) and the Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VLSD).

Other standard equipment includes cruise control, a HomeLink Universal Transceiver, aluminum pedals, an auto dimming rearview mirror, illuminated steering wheel audio controls, power windows, 3-bay gauge cluster, LED taillights, High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-xenon (high and low beam) headlights,nike shox clearance, the Advanced Air Bag System,cheap uggs for sale, side and curtain side-impact supplemental air bags and Active Head Restraints.

Inside the exceptional sports car is a pampering ergonomics with unique black cloth seats with red inserts, special NISMO white-faced tachometer, and red stitching throughout the interior. The automaker includes the NISMO-etched aluminum plaque mounted on the center console to all NISMO 350Zs and designating its limited edition standing.

“The combination of aerodynamic enhancements and performance tuning adds up to a Z? with enhanced cornering, steering precision and handling,” said Bill Bosley, the vice president and general manager, Nissan Division,nike air max, Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA).

Bosley added, "The NISMO 350Z is the ideal package for true enthusiasts – adding a high level of aesthetic and performance enhancing equipment not available in the aftermarket – while retaining the reliability, durability, and comprehensive warranty found standard on every 2007 Nissan 350Z.”