It's not everyday the Driven office comes to a standstill as everyone stares at a tradie's workhorse. But then again, it's not everyday a van looking this good comes across our desk.
What we have here is, if specified, a mechanically standard MY18 Ford Transit Custom van. So be sure to let the boss know that there's no danger of that warranty being torn up by your local dealer.
But what British-based company MS-TR have added to the van's body is sure to set this workhorse apart from a sea of bland, white, stock-standard utilities you'd usually find on site.
This Ford Transit Custom features a custom built body kit, said to be developed and inspired by the 'technology and aerodynamic influences from Ford’s works-backed rally team M-Sport' to create a 'performance version' of Ford's popular commercial van.
The new MS-RT Ford Transit Custom’s exterior modification include a full front bumper, grill and fog lamp replacement, 'extreme' front diffuser, wide body arch extensions, sills, rear diffuser and rear spoiler - all of which are manufactured by MS-RT.
A new set of wheels and tyres don't just look the part, they're functional too. The MS-RT Transit Custom shown is fitted with 18-inch Anthracite OZ Racing alloys with 103 XL load-rated Hankook Ventus S1 evo2 tyres.
If your boss isn't fussed about Ford's new car warranty, MS-RT can also fit a sports exhaust system and Eibach performance lowering springs.
Inside, the performance theme continues with a handcrafted MS-RT nappa leather and suede seat facings, along with a distinctive MS-RT sports steering wheel with carbon fibre inlays. The rally-inspired interior theme is completed with MS-RT branded floor mats and dash clocks.
All MS-RT vehicles come with Ford’s latest SYNC3 entertainment system with satellite navigation, dual side loading doors, loadspace lighting, a 230v power convertor, parking sensors, reversing camera, heated windscreen, heated seats and upgraded HID headlights with integrated daytime running lights.
Under the bonnet, the van has Ford’s EcoBlue 2.0 litre TDCi engine, giving 405Nm of torque bolted to a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox.
There are also a number of cabin layouts – two-seat panel van, three-seat panel van, five-seat double-cab and six-seat double-cab, with a choice of long or short wheelbases and a tailgate or twin back doors.
MS-RT Founding Director, Ed Davies, said: “The new MS-RT Transit Custom takes an already excellent van and turns it into something really special, which owners are bound to cherish, and which businesses will use to make their brands really stand out.
As yet, only one MY18 MS-RT Ford Transit has been built. But if you think you could convince the boss that a tuned Transit is a good idea, let them know MS-RT will release its full range of specifications, options and prices next month before the first customer models are built in Q3, 2018.
