BODYING THE BEAUTIFUL
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Bodybuilders have responded well to the Transit's aerodynamic styling dispelling initial fears that it would be difficult to incorporate in practical designs.
• When the new Ford Transit was first sighted, a typical reaction to its highly aerodynamic style—with a steeply-sloping nose and curved sides — was that it would be a difficult vehicle to body in chassis-cab and chassis-cowl form.
Acknowledging that there might be some consumer suspcicion if not resistance to the shape, Ford had taken the precaution of working closely with some major bodybuilders well before the launch, to ensure that its smooth new shape could be allied to traditional body styles such as Lutons and box vans, as well as being adaptable to the virtually important new market of minibuses. In general, Britain's bodybuilders have responded well to the challenge, and have come up with some very successful integrations of their own and Ford's styles, and certainly the initial fears that the new Transit would prove to be difficult to body have proved groundless.
Obviously, with the choice of long and short bodies, low and high roofs, lifting or side-hinged rear doors, side loading doors and the forthcoming double cab, the range of bodywork from Ford's own catalogue will be wide enough to satisfy many customers. Some of the innovative solutions to the problems of the rest of Ford's wide customer base are shown here.