The End of an Era: Our MK1 1969 Ford Transit
We were incredibly sad to see our M1 Ford Transit head to its new home today, but we are sure that it’s next owner will have just as much fun as we did with it!
Converted for our 20th anniversary, the 1969 MK1 Ford Transit quickly grew to become a Stanfords-favourite with everyone. To create something a little different, we converted the Transit into a retro camper van complete with:
Castrol coloured bespoke stitched seating
Kitchen area with gas hob, sink, fridge and Nespresso coffee machine
20-inch smart television with HDMI input
1960’s inspired features such as a vintage picnic hamper and a retro record player
Although initially deigned for our birthday, this iconic ‘Castrol Green’ Ford Transit has been on many adventures with us over the past eight years. from taking part in the traditional Guildhall Cart Marking ceremony, to meeting famous faces at various exhibitions, our little Transit will truly be missed.
Take a look at some of our favourite memories below!
20th Anniversary Birthday Event
Back in 2015, we celebrated our 20th anniversary and in great Stanfords-style, we knew that we had to do something a little different to mark the event. When first seeing the MK1 Ford Transit for sale, Jess and Lee had the brilliant idea to honour their first ever conversion, carried out on a Ford Transit, by giving the 1969 classic a new lease of life, and transforming it into a retro camper van!
The stunning Transit was first unveiled at our 20th birthday party, where our long-term clients, suppliers, family and friends all got the opportunity to enjoy the bespoke conversion for the first time.
It was smiles all round at our 20th birthday event!
Brands Hatch Expo
A special Stanfords event that everyone loved also had the pleasure of exhibiting the fantastic ford in 2015. The Stanford Coachworks Brands Hatch Expo was a thrilling event that attracted many of our customers and suppliers to get kitted up for an exhilarating hot lap around the ex-Grand Prix circuit! The film star Ford Transit, which previously cameoed in movies such as The Bank Job and The Lady in the Van, sat proudly in the paddock that day and hosted a number of vintage picnics accompanied by plenty of smiling faces.
Our MK1 Ford Transit conversion stands proudly in the paddock at Brands Hatch.
Guildhall Cart Marking
In 2016 we had the honour of visiting Guildhall Yard in London with our unique Ford Transit to take part in the annual Cart Marking ceremony. Cart Marking is a historic ceremony where Sheriffs and Carmen, dressed in traditional robes, brand vehicles with a red-hot iron in a ritual known as ‘Cart Marking’. The ceremony dates back over 500 years and celebrates the origin of vehicle licencing and transport throughout the ages. Our Ford Transit certainly was a head-turner at this event!
Sheriffs and Carmen brand our Transit at Guildhall Yard.
London Classic Car Show 2018
During our first visit to the London Classic Car Show, we had to, of course, bring along our star of the show. The 1969 MK1 Ford Transit took pride of place at the front of our stand and fetched much attention. Everyone was in awe of the iconic van as our bespoke camper conversion bought a new lease of life to the 1969 Transit, referred to by some as ‘the backbone of Britain’. Although no longer in its original state, many admired our conversion commenting that it’s perfect for a family day out. The Ford Transit even had the chance to meet some famous faces at the show too!
Jess and Lee pose with Phil Glenister and our iconic MK1 1969 Ford Transit.