When we think of the words “bad ass” and “van” in the same sentence, we’re usually thinking of shag-carpet lined panel vans with murals of topless Valkyries riding on the backs of winged dragons wielding swords as volcanoes erupt in the background. But this time around, we’re talking about a bad ass van that doesn’t require you to get screened for STDs.
We’re a little envious of some of the cool domestic-brand cars that were never for sale here in the ‘States. One in particular was Ford’s Transit Mk1 Supervan. Never heard of it? Most haven’t. But the reality is that this machine was far more of a racecar than a lorry (that’s British for “van”). Found over on Biglorryblog, this machine held one helluva secret behind those windowless panels.
Starting with Ford’s absurdly boring Transit van, Ford fitted a five-liter Gurney Westlake Ford V8 engine from the legendary GT40 Ford LeMans machine with four Weber carbs and a five-speed ZF box producing well-over 400hp!
You read that right, a GT40-powered, mid-engine Ford panel van fitted with GT40-style wheels, tires and suspension. All of this was done to ensure that the van wouldn’t end up on its lid while ripping through the road course. Although not a monster at the 1320, the Supervan did impress all at the track, nudging the 150mph mark while first gear got the van close to 50mph!
