Stripes Galore: Ford Transit Sportvan

Following in the footsteps of its American-side with the “Red Stripe” Shelby GT500, Ford Europe presented the Transit Sportvan at the Birmingham CV Show. White stripes aside, the Sportvan gets Ford’s racing-blue paintwork, 18" alloy wheels, twin exhaust pipes and leather seats and spoilers. No changes under the hood though as the Sportvan continues to use the stock 130Hp TDCi Duratorq engine. According to Ford, a limited edition of 500 units will go on sale in June with an on-the-road price of 18,750 BP -37.500 USD / 27.600 EUR. –Press Release & high-res image gallery after the jump

Via: Autoblog.it , Source: Ford UK

PRESS RELEASE: NEW FORD TRANSIT SPORTVAN REVEALED AT CV SHOW

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.

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