A van for the enthusiasts

The Brits love their vans as much as we in South Africa love our bakkies… So much so, in fact, that pimped-up worker models commonly pop up on the market. The latest is the MS-RT Transit Custom developed in conjunction with the M-Sport Ford Works Rally Team.

As such, it features technology and aerodynamic influences from Ford’s works-backed rally team. These include a twin-exit sports exhaust system; a menacing front bumper, grille and diffuser; wide body-arch extensions; sills; a rear diffuser and a rear spoiler – all of which are manufactured by MS-RT at its factory in Pontypool, South Wales, in the United Kingdom.

The vehicle itself – available in a number of cab configurations and wheelbase options – is hand-finished at MS-RT’s custom-built factory in Gwent, South Wales.

The MS-RT Transit Custom also gets exclusive new 18-inch Anthracite OZ Racing alloys with 103 XL load-rated Hankook Ventus S1 evo2 tyres, along with Eibach lowering springs.

The combination improves handling and responsiveness, while at the same time ensuring the Transit Custom still delivers where it needs to by maintaining its payload capacity.

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.

MS-RT founding director, Ed Davies, says: “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.”

That it may, but it’s not cheap – the MS-RT Transit Custom begins at the equivalent of R567 990!