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Supervan 3
Page 55
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Somewhat at odds with the "power is good, torque is better" maxim, Ford's most recent variation on the Transit theme definitely has power as a priority Readers with good memories may recall the series of Transit Supervans. The original Supervan was built in 1971 and featured a five-litre, 400hp V8 engine as used in the GT40.
In 1984 Ford came up with the 174mph Supervan 2, powered by a long-stroke version of the Ccsworth V8 then current in Formula 1, In 1994 the Supervan 2 was rebuilt on a Ford 0100 Group C racing car chassis with a 650hp Cosworth H B and renamed as Supervan 3 but it hasn't been seen in public since 2001. Until now, that is, because Ford has restored Supervan 3 to as-new condition with its original 1984 paint job. Now powered by a relatively modest 260hp Cosworth Pro-Sport 3000 V6, it is still capable of around 150mph.
CMwas privileged to be invited to Ford's proving ground in Essex to drive the restored van. The first impression is its size -with a scaled down body in GAP, it's hardly larger than a Transit Connect.
Two racing seats are crammed in close together, due to the almost central driving position. Its engine may be relatively modest, but there's no modesty about the noise it makes. The five-speed Newland transaxles are pure race car, with no thought of luxuries like synchromesh. If you can master the Eaton Min-splitter it holds no fears, but like the Eaton, the Hevdand rewards a firm but sympathetic hand.
Weighing just 890kg, performance off the line is impressive and feels even faster thanks to the rock hard suspension on the less-thanperfect surface of the Dunton track. Steering is often described as kart-like; for once that description is justified.
Irrelevant and extravagant Supervan may be, but Ford's CV marketing team should be commended for recommissioning a historic part of its heritage in a world where a bit of extra fun can do no harm.