The story of the Ford Transit is filled with fascinating chapters, but none are as iconic as the saga of the “Supervan.” A wheel legend born from the ambition to combine performance and practicality into a unique vehicle.
The Genesis of the Supervan
In 1971, Ford was looking for an innovative way to promote their Transit. The idea of creating a high-performance version of the van emerged as a brilliant marketing stunt. The first Supervan, built on the Transit Mk. 1 platform, was anything but conventional. Beneath its fiberglass bodywork, hid the heart of a Ford GT40, the legendary race car that dominated Le Mans. Powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 400 horsepower, the original Supervan could reach an impressive speed of 149 mph.
The Supervan made an immediate impact. Its presence at events and exhibitions drew crowds and generated great interest in the Transit. Ford had created an icon, a machine that challenged expectations and redefined what a van could be.
Evolution and Innovation
The original Supervan was just the beginning. Over the years, Ford developed new versions, each incorporating cutting-edge technology and design. The Supervan 2, launched in 1984, featured a futuristic look and an even more powerful Cosworth V6 engine. Then, the Supervan 3, from 1994, was a true engineering masterpiece, with a carbon fiber chassis and a V8 engine producing 650 horsepower.
In 2022, Ford introduced the latest iteration of the legend: the Electric Supervan. A futuristic electric van with 2,000 horsepower, capable of going from 0 to 60 mph in less than 2 seconds.
Features and Powertrains
Each Supervan is unique, but all share some common characteristics: bold design, supercar performance, and the unmistakable silhouette of the Transit. The powertrains have varied over the years, from the GT40’s V8 to the electric motor in the latest version.
The Electric Supervan, for example, features four electric motors that produce a combined power of 2,000 horsepower. The van has all-wheel drive and a state-of-the-art energy management system.
Ford Supervan transcends the status of a vehicle. It is a symbol of innovation and boldness of the brand. Over its 50-year history, the Supervan has inspired generations of enthusiasts and demonstrated the boundless potential of automotive engineering.
More than just a marketing tool, the Supervan is a testament to Ford’s passion for cars and the relentless pursuit of pushing limits.
Author: Fabio Isidoro
Fabio Isidoro is the founder and editor-in-chief of Canal Carro, where he has been writing about the automotive world since 2022. Passionate about cars and technology, he began his journey on the HospedandoSites portal and today dedicates himself to creating technical content and comprehensive analyses of national and international vehicles. 📩 Contact: contato@canalcarro.net.br