Ford Transcontinental
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It seemed the answer to everyone’s prayer, but in the end the Ford Transcontinental didn’t quite make it.
Of course, the proven drive train of Cummins 14-litre engine,
Fuller gearbox, Rockwell drive axle and high-tensile steel
chassis from the American-built Ford Louisville would – on paper – seem to be the perfect cocktail.
First assembled in Amsterdam, many Transco drivers of old still get misty-eyed over its superb get-up and-go perform ance.
Launched in 1975, it was Ford Europe’s first entry into the big cab truck market. Available in 4x2 and 6x4 form, both as a rigid and an artic, it had Berliet’s big cab, which could be kitted out with three seats or even two bunks.
So what went wrong? Perhaps it was a shade too heavy for UK general haulage operation – which was then 32 tons gross – although it’s always been said this truck was ahead of its time.
Who knows?
Bob Tuck (freelance journalist)