Extended Transit available ex-factory
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FORD HAS ADDED an extended wheelbase (EWB) version to its Transit chassis cab range. The existing 3m (9ft1Oin) wheelbase has been increased to 3.45m (11ft4in) and an additional 200mm (7.8in) has been added to the rear frame overhang allowing bodies up to 4m (13ft1in) in length to befitted.
EWB options will be available on 160, 175 and 190 Transit chassis cabs, giving payload and body allowances of between 1,807 and 2,166kg (35.6 to 42.7cwt) for petrol-engined models.
The extended wheelbase is achieved by inserting a bolted frame section into the normal long wheelbase Ford chassis, together with a new propshaft and exhaust system. The modification, all done on the production line at Ford's Southampton plant, adds 38kg (831b) to the vehicle's kerb weight.
Extended wheelbase models will initially only be available in a white finish, and can be ordered through all normal Ford Transit dealers. The EWB, which has a Special Vehicle Order number 7258, costs £135 more than a normal long wheelbase Transit chassis cab.
Possible applications for the EWB Transit according to Ford, are as a car transporter, or, if fitted with a high volume body, as a removals vehicle.