Ford Marks 60th Transit Anniversary with Record-Breaking Convoy

- Transit Festival and Guinness World Record attempt held today in Essex - Gates Ford offers £600 loyalty bonus on new Ford Pro vehicles until Sept. 21 - Classic and electric Transit models on display at Chelmsford City Racecourse

Lead Ford and dealer Gates Ford are celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Ford Transit today with a Guinness World Record attempt for the largest van convoy, setting off from Dunton Technical Centre to Chelmsford City Racecourse in Essex.

Nut Graf The Transit Festival highlights six decades of the industry-defining van’s impact on commercial transport, draws enthusiasts and fleet operators, and reinforces Ford’s commitment to loyalty incentives and electric future offerings.

Main Part Enthusiasts will line up classic and modern Transit models, including the Transit Custom MS-RT and the all-electric E-Transit™ Custom. The convoy departs early this morning, aiming to break the record for the world’s largest parade of vans before arriving at the festival grounds.

At each Gates Transit Centre, visitors can tour a historic 1965 model alongside the latest electric and custom conversions. Ford is showcasing its new “assembly tree” manufacturing process for upcoming EVs and offering a £600 ‘Thank You’ loyalty bonus on Ford Pro vehicles to existing customers through Sept. 21.

Highlights of today’s programme include live music, light refreshments, and opportunities to test-drive the E-Transit™. Gates Marketing Manager Anna-Marie Camp says the event underscores the van’s legacy and Ford’s vision for sustainable commercial mobility.

Further festivities continue throughout the weekend, with awards for best-preserved classic Transit, expert workshops on EV conversion, and previews of Ford’s next-generation electric van platform slated for 2027 production.