Description

1971 Ford Transit MkI Sprite Motorhome

Later Transit diesel engine fitted with 5-speed box; rare Transit with practical camper body; needs work but running and driving

First registered in March 1971, this 'snout-nosed' diesel MkI was sent from the factory to Sprite for bodying as a motorhome - one of the most commodious and luxurious available at the time.

It would originally have used Fords rugged but crude naturally aspirated York Diesel, a 2.4-litre unit although at some time in the past, this one has been updated with a later (and much better) 2.5DI unit, as well as a five-speed box. In addition, it also got the donor Transit's dashboard, offering more in the way of driver information than the original (and rather lovely) big single speedo....

It comes with nothing in the way of history, but is up and running and has been driving round on site, although will need work to bring it back up to scratch. The photos show corrosion in the usual Transit places, but new panels are available and it would respond well to some TLC.

The V5C lists it as a Historic Vehicle and a Motor Caravan and given its last MOT expired in September 2016, will require some love before hitting the road once more. This last MOT showed no advisories though which is encouraging, the online record showing that in 2006 it was showing 50,000 miles, a total that has increased to just under 74,000 miles, although the dash and speedo have been swapped so there is no knowing the true overall figure.

Very well equipped inside and retaining it original fittings and fixtures, this is a rare van, with space and decent performance potential thanks to its later engine and box - well worth sympathetic restoration.

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