Video: Elderly Ford Transit goes on a drag strip rampage

Since its debut in the remote year 1965, the Ford Transit has never given us cause to question its reputation as a reliable workhorse. Available in passenger and commercial versions, Ford has sold over 8,000,000 copies of the van since the launch, making it the third most successful light commercial vehicle in history. A legend, indeed! But for today, let us show you a very special Transit from the 1986 – 2003 production series. As you have already guessed, the car has been extensively modded.

Mk1Kieran’s video on YouTube follows the unlikely contender along the Santa Pod Raceway strip as it charges forward, smoke billowing from under the tires, competing with purebred sports cars. The sight is as alien as it is awesome.

Powering the deceivingly stock-looking van is a turbocharged V8 engine sourced from Lexus, which sends the power to the rear wheels.

The result of the race is astonishing: 12.5 seconds! However, the driver doesn’t look too happy about it and says his team will do their best to power this Ford up even further for the next year season.