Klassic Garage on BBC Radio – Celebrating 60 Years of the Ford Transit
On 8th August 2025, we were kindly invited to take part in two BBC radio interviews — BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Radio Scotland — to mark a major automotive milestone: the 60th anniversary of the Ford Transit.
The Ford Transit isn’t just a van — it’s a British cultural icon. Since its launch in 1965, more than 8 million have been built, serving everyone from builders and delivery drivers to emergency services and even rock bands on tour. Its versatility and reliability have made it the backbone of businesses and communities for six decades.
Why Klassic Garage?
We were approached by the BBC because of our unique collection of working Ford Transits, including:
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1988 Ford Transit AA Recovery Truck (spec lift) – A hard-working veteran from the golden era of roadside rescue, still in its distinctive AA yellow livery.
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1996 Ford Transit Emergency Ambulance – An authentic example of the type used by paramedic crews across the UK during the 1990s.
Both vehicles are owned, maintained, and operated in-house — ready for film, TV, and event hire. Their originality and condition made them perfect for discussing the Transit’s legacy live on air.
The Backstory to the Broadcasts
The BBC team were looking for guests who could not only talk about the Transit’s history, but also share real-life stories of ownership and operation. Our collection stood out because it represents two specialist uses that show the Transit’s adaptability: breakdown recovery and emergency medical response.
During the interviews, we discussed:
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The cult status of the Ford Transit among enthusiasts and industry professionals.
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Why the Transit became the default choice for so many trades and services.
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Personal stories about sourcing, restoring, and operating our own examples.
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The role of classic commercials in preserving Britain’s motoring heritage.
Why the Transit Still Matters
From shifting goods to saving lives, the Ford Transit’s impact is woven into the fabric of the UK’s roads. Our vehicles aren’t just museum pieces — they still work for a living, regularly appearing in film and television productions, and delighting enthusiasts at shows.
🎧 Listen Back
BBC Radio 5 Live
BBC Radio Scotland
Need a Ford Transit for your production or event?
Klassic Garage offers nationwide hire of our 1988 AA Recovery Truck and 1996 Emergency Ambulance, delivered on our own transporter and supported by an experienced on-set team.
Jacob: jkl@klassicgarage.com
