On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of its best-selling model, Ford formed a convoy of 201 historic and contemporary models and invited Transit owners from across Great Britain to the company's headquarters at Dunton in the United Kingdom. The response from companies and private owners of the model that has defined the manufacturer's design was so great that during the Transit Festival on 20 September a total of 201 vehicles in one convoy achieved entry into the Guinness World Records. The range of participating Transit models extended from the petrol variants of the first generation from the 1960s to the latest E-Transit and Transit Custom with plug-in hybrid drive (PHEV), with which Ford Pro is continuing to advance the electrification of its commercial vehicle fleet. This parade was made possible by the
many passionate fans of the transporter legend as well as numerous Ford dealers, conversion and upfit specialists, private and commercial customers, and Ford employees and media representatives.
"This record proves the passion that its fans bring to the Transit, and underscores the versatility of the world's best-selling transporter," says Lisa Brankin, Managing Director Ford of Britain and Ireland. "Our Transit convoy has impressively demonstrated the enormous range of services that Ford Pro and its cult transporter have been enabling for six decades."
The manufacturer received the official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS certificate from Carl Saville, referee, at the very first Transit Festival. The celebration honored the transporter's success story, its diligent customers, dedicated fans, and its innovative future. "The record for the 'largest parade of transporters' is a great example of that, especially since
this event takes place in honour of the legendary Ford Transit — the fitting vehicle to set a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title," said Saville.
Each of the 201 drivers in the Transit convoy is now an official record holder. A digital certificate marks him as a participant in this event. Such as Peter Lee, who played a central role in making the record attempt a success.
"The Transit has touched millions of people in its 60-year history by helping companies and communities in their work," reflects the chairman of the Transit Van Club. "Each one of them is therefore part of the history of this iconic transporter. The Transit has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. To have contributed to this record feels especially special. I
will not forget this day anytime soon."
The record-breaking Transit parade started at the Ford Dunton Technical Centre in Essex, where the company develops the latest generations of the transporter. From there the convoy drove just over 40 kilometres to the Transit Festival on the grounds of the Chelmsford City Racecourse northeast of London. More than 2,500 Transit fans had signed up to take part in entertaining games and to learn in special workshops. For example, about how small business owners can increase the productivity of their vehicle fleet, how to protect themselves against tool theft, or how companies can benefit from social media. The very first Transit rolled off the production line on 9 August 1965 at the British Ford plant in Langley; since then, worldwide more than 13 million units have
