Video: The original V8 Ford Supervan was a GT40 wearing plumbers overalls
Oh 1970s, how we long for your beautiful cars and simple charm… Today’s Elevenses throws us right back to the glorious era of bell bottoms and American muscle. And nothing screams the latter more than the Transit Supervan, unveiled in 1971 to rave reviews.
While from the outside the original Supervan looked very much like any other Mk1 Ford Transit, underneath sat a GT40 spaceframe chassis and running gear, complete with a mid-mounted 435hp Gurney-Weslake V8 Ford and a five-speed transaxle ZF gearbox, giving it a claimed top speed of well over 150mph – only slightly slower than the Le Mans winning GT40 itself.
Built for Ford UK by Terry Drury Racing, it first appeared at the Easter 1971 meeting at Thruxton, where it wowed assembled crowds with its seven second 0-60mph run. At the Santa Pod drag strip a short time later, the Supervan achieved a quarter mile time of just 14.5 seconds, confirming its position as the ultimate race van. Unfortunately the Supervan never went into production, and white van men nationwide breathed a sigh of disappointment…
Check out this epic period promo of the Supervan, and try not to get too nostalgic for the incredible ‘70’s scenery.
Welcome to Goodwood Elevenses, a mid-morning helping of motoring-related amusement to help break up your day. Watch the last video: Have you ever heard a better sounding Porsche 911?
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Elevenses
Ford
GT40
Supervan
Thruxton
Transit
