A Custom Conversion for a Charity in Kent
Looking to include some custom options in your next minibus? At Stanford Coachworks our unique design approach allows us to create custom conversions that meet all of your specific requirements.
Our latest Ford Transit wheelchair accessible minibus features a custom-built storage compartment in the rear saloon which was specially designed to meet the requirements of our client - a fantastic charity based in Kent. After sadly having their last minibus stolen, the charity raised enough money to be able to replace it with a brand-new minibus. This time they were looking for something bespoke that would tick all of their boxes.
The Kent-based charity specialises in supporting people who are living with Dementia or Alzheimer’s and their new minibus will be used to help transport clients to and from their day support services. Both storage and hygiene were priorities for the charity so it was important that we designed some custom compartments and included a wipe clean interior, without creating a clinical environment.
The Stanford Coachworks conversion
Based on a Ford Transit Jumbo (L4H3 model), the charity’s new wheelchair accessible minibus can facilitate up to 11 seated passengers or 3 wheelchairs with seats removed. Complete with colourful seating, passenger heat and air conditioning, custom-built storage units and an electric side step, this stylish minibus meets all of their requirements.
Interior design
It is important to the charity that their minibus does not give their clients the feeling of a standard, clinical disabled minibus so to achieve this, we upholstered their passenger seating in a premium grey wipe clean fabric, finished with royal blue diamond stitching and piping. The interior of the vehicle is trimmed in a soft-feel material but for easy cleaning the lower side are fitted with wipe clean panels. We also included royal blue feature panels and diamond stitched roof panels to elevate the interior even further.
Custom-built storage
With ample storage being a main focal point for the charity’s new minibus, our team of skilled coachbuilders designed a custom full-height storage unit which sits at the rear of the vehicle. Positioned at the rear passenger saloon, this storage unit includes a large lockable cupboard that can be accessed from the rear doors, along with a high-level smaller sized lockable compartment. For additional storage, we have installed three velcro-covered wheelchair restraint storage boxes, two located behind the front cabin seats and one in front of the full-height storage unit. These boxes can be used to store a variety of the charity’s items.
Take a look at the full vehicle specification below
Based on a Ford Transit Jumbo (L4H3 model)
Can facilitate up to 11 x passengers or 3 x wheelchairs with seats removed
Passenger seats upholstered in grey wipe clean material with royal blue diamond-stitching and piping
6 x passenger seats fitted with removable fixings
Tracked flooring overlaid with non-slip wood-effect covering
Diamond stitched royal blue roof panels
Royal blue feature panels
Large electric side step, fitted below side load door, with high visibility extended grab handles for assisted entry.
3 x wheelchair restraint boxes (fitted behind the front cab seats and in front of the custom storage unit)
Custom-built full-height storage unit fitted in the rear of the vehicle. Features a large locker accessible from the rear doors, and a smaller high-level locker accessible from the passenger saloon.
Rear passenger saloon heating and air conditioning
LED blue / white interior lighting
Fully IVA tested to meet M2 minibus requirements
We are so pleased to have been given the opportunity to provide this charity with a minibus that meets all of their requirements. We hope that their new Ford Transit conversion helps support their day services and that the charity’s clients enjoy using their new minibus!
If you are interested in one of our minibus conversions and would like to discuss custom options with us, please click here. Alternatively, you can contact our main office on 01375 676088 / sales@stanfordcoachworks.co.uk