1973 Ford Transit Connect

Minivan/Van

4 - Cyl.

Manual

Gasoline

1973 FORD “Transit” Panel Van with dual wheel rear axle This vehicle was built at the Ford factory in Cologne, Germany – VIN No.: GB 81 NP 11341 “Transit” vans were built and are still built today as commercial delivery vehicles and also saw a wide use in Fire Departments and as ambulances. For Fire Dept. use the roof height was increased by about 4 inches. This van was used by a voluntary fire brigade in as small town named “Bruck” in Bavaria, Germany. It carried a portable water pump and water hoses as well as a few crew members. It was on active duty until about 12 years ago. The fire dept. equipment on the outside of the vehicle still complete such as the blue European emergency light, a wooden extension ladder mounted on the roof on a galvanized rack and the original fire dept. writing on both front doors including the Bavarian crest. After its official use the vehicle ended up in private hands. The formerly blank interior walls in the rear of the vehicle were insulated and a very attractive grey velour material was used to cover the walls. On both interior side walls wooden storage boxes were installed, a thick plywood panel creates a sleeping platform, a thick futon mattress makes it a comfortable bed for 2 people – the sleeping platform is 7 feet long. In front of the platform up to the dividing panel in the back of the front seats there is an open space measuring 3’2” – it could be used to transport a motorcycle or to place a table and 2 chairs. The van is powered by a V 4 gas engine with a displacement of 1,7 Liters. Transmission is a manual 4 speed on the floor powering the rear axle with dual wheels. The rear fender extensions are factory done in metal. The only basic round 5 ½” diameter instrument is the speedometer in both km and miles read-out, a few warning lights for low flow charging and low oil pressure and a set of switches for lights, wipers and below the panel at the air box controls for air flow and heat. Low and high beam adjustment is done with a floor mounted button. This vehicle has been driven for a total of only 27000 miles. Recent works and new parts are: About 3000 miles ago cylinder heads rebuilt with new valves and hardened valve seats for unleaded gas About 2000 miles ago installation of a new master brake cylinder New oil change with Shell Rotella T 15W40 and new Fram oil filter New radial tires all the way around in the slightly oversize dimension from the factory of 205R75X14 The wooden ladder was stripped, sanded, restained and finished with marine clear varnish Extras include an AM/FM cass. deck radio and a trailer hitch with 1 7/8” ball There are lots of spare parts such as: A complete and working 4 speed transmission An almost complete spare engine consisting of: Engine block with pistons, crankshaft and camshafts, cylinder heads with internal parts Valve covers Complete clutch External accessory parts such as: Starter Alternator Fuel pump Distributor Air filter housing and numerous small parts One spare hub cap There is also a new set of brake hoses and a new set of engine seals since we bought a complete engine seal set and only used the cylinder head seals There is also a spare set of door and ignition keys Overall dimensions: Length 202” Height 85” Width 72” Unique to the fire dept. issue of this van is a small aluminum platform mounted on the rear of the van for a fire man to stand on. If you plan to participate in any parades, this is a very useful extra! This vehicle is remarkably original. The van has never been in an accident. The paint is decent and useful but shows a few slightly different shades of red at various places. In typical fire dept. fashion when there was a small dent to repair, the repair was done and the spot repainted even if the available paint did not match 100%. The seats are grey industrial vinyl, have never been reupholstered and are in very nice condition. The vinyl lip on the dash edge is all original, still very pliable and soft, shows no splits and is in very good condition. The floor in the cargo area is covered with grey vinyl. This is a very unique vehicle, it draws lots of attention and positive reactions from people. There is only about a handful of these vans in all of the US. This van is very practical with its ability for sleeping space for 2 people and lots of cargo space (I had 10’ 4X6 beams loaded in it). There is also the possibility of a nice advertising logo on the spacious side panels or back panel. Even though this vehicle was not officially imported into the US, ordering mechanical parts here is possible from import parts dealers since the same engine was supplied to Saab for its sporty Sonett model. The van is presently licensed (up to Aug. 2012) in the State of California and a clear title exists from that state. Smog certification is not required for this vehicle in California.