1972 Ford Transit Mk1 Campervan

On the outside, this may look like simply like a well-kept example of the first-generation Transit Custom Camper, but this van has more than meets the eye.

A factory SVO (Special Orders Vehicle) this Transit was purchased by the vendor and current owner in 2016, and has been used for numerous camping trips each year, along with a long jaunt to the south of France in 2018 (photos below) however, after a number of trips it was decided to enhance the camper mechanically in order to keep up better with modern traffic.

This Transit now hides a 4.0 litre V8 engine conversion, long-range fuel tank, disc brakes, five-speed manual transmission conversion, and an air suspension setup in order to keep the rear level when heavily laden, or when towing a teardrop caravan as the vendor has done so on numerous occasions.

In order to cope with the additional heat from the V8 engine conversion, a fully-custom cooling system has been implemented, which is is controlled by a Davis Craig electric water pump, which is operable from a panel within the cabin and also controls the fans.

Along with the mechanical upgrades, the gearbox has also been rebuilt in July 2021 by Bucks gearboxes at the cost of £560.00, whilst the interior remains in completely standard condition and is in excellent shape throughout. The engine itself was only fitted around two years ago and has covered around 1,000 miles in use, and the vendor notes the instruments were fitted shortly after the conversion took place, hence the lower odometer reading.

Perhaps unusually for a Transit from this era, the bodywork on this highly customised (some would argue heavily improved) 1972-registered model is in very good shape throughout.

Looking along the flanks, there doesn’t appear to be any signs of major dents or impact damage, though given the age of the vehicle the odd stone chips and light mark would be expected, especially as the van has been used as intended - as a camper.

We did note some light corrosion around the inner tailgate area, but this does not appear to extend below the surface as far as we can see. There are also various minor patches of bubbling around areas such as the windscreen rain channels, roof gutters and door bases, though these have been photographed and can be assessed in the gallery below.

The wheels are all in great condition sporting only a few marks here-and-there, and the white contrasts fantastically against the blue paintwork.

There are very few external signs of the mechanical upgrades, though there are a few additional exterior lights that have been fitted and wired in for use whilst camping, and the ‘pop-top’ tent is in good working order.

Wood veneer counters and cupboards, gingham curtains and vinyl seats; Stepping inside this Transit is like taking a trip back to the 70’s!

Despite the extensive customisation that has taken place under the body of this Transit, the interior has remained almost completely ‘stock’ with the exception of the aftermarket steering wheel and a controller for the aforementioned cooling system upgrades.

The vinyl seats in the front look to be in excellent shape with only one small tear noted on the outer driver seat base bolster, whilst the carpets are also in very good condition. The dashboard itself has some light wear and patina, whilst the Alcantara steering wheel also shows some light usage marks.

In the rear, the longitudinal bench seats look fantastic, and the carpets in the rear are in even better condition. The wood panelling looks free from damage and major scratches, whilst all appliances are reported to be in full working order and are also in fantastic condition.

The inside of the pop-top roof tent appears to be undamaged and largely unmarked despite having been used, and the vendor reports no issues of water ingress or leaks - excellent news.

As period-cool as the interior is, the real star of the show here is the mechanicals hidden away underneath the unassuming Ford Transit MK1 exterior.

Long-gone are the days of lazily pottering around between campsites and struggling up hills, with the new 4.0-litre V8 engine providing plenty of power, and improved usability thanks to the addition of the long-range fuel tank and five-speed transmission conversion.

With no known faults as far as the vendor is aware, and no reported issues from our photographer who took the van out, it’s safe to say that this Transit is ready for the next owner to jump in and enjoy, though perhaps a few more running-in miles would be advisable for the remarkably fresh engine.

Usually, Ford Transits and chassis inspections are a combination that would make any owner sweat and have an MOT tester rubbing their hands with glee. However, we’re happy to report that this certainly does not appear to be the case with this example.

Looking underneath, we’re struck by how remarkably clean and tidy the chassis is, having evidently been sealed at some point in its lifetime. There are a few patches of surface corrosion and ‘bloom’ here-and-there as you might expect, but nothing that is ringing any alarm bells.

The MOT history would also support this, suggesting there was structural work required all the way back in 2006, but nothing since. In fact, the MOT history is squeaky-clean from 2007 to the present, with the most recent exam on 21 June 2021 recording a clean pass with no advisory items.

Despite the extensive work lavished upon this Transit, there is very little in the way of history or paperwork. The V5 is present showing 13 former keepers, two keys and two MOT certificates, dated 2017 and 2021 respectively.

There are also some photographs included in the gallery below of the aforementioned trip to France and some older shots of the van in its previous state, but nothing further.

Offering the retro camping experience without the usual slow journeys or questionable reliability that was often seen ‘in period’ this 1972 Ford Transit MK1 Camper has been extensively mechanically upgraded and improved, giving the next owner peace-of-mind for their adventures.

With an excellent interior that could transport you back to the 70’s and numerous performance and drivability upgrades, we estimate that this Transit will fetch in the region of £8,000 to £14,000.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon. Our offices are open Mon-Fri 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. To arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.