Oxford Diecast AC Invacar Pale Blue (Hubnut) 1:76

The Ford Transit has been on the UK’s roads since 1965 with numerous upgrades, facelifts and configurations along the way.  The Mk 2 first appeared in 1977, having been completely restyled with a longer nose to accommodate a revised engine. The Ford Transit had so many computations; it could be adapted for almost any purpose as some of the tooling modifications on this latest introduction show.

It is registered CYV 878V from 1979 and appears with a long wheelbase, customised further for use as a London Fire Brigade Divisional Control Unit. Tooling modifications include two blue beacons fixed to the front and rear of the roof, as well as a further silver and red roof pod positioned in the centre. The van also has a very wide single rear window. The Post Office red body features a white chequered band printed along the waist on both sides and across the back, leaving the bonnet plain red. The London Fire Brigade lettering and crest are printed in gold on the main side panels with the Divisional Control Unit written in white below. Exterior trim, apart from silver wheels, is all finished in black. The interior is also moulded in black with red interior door panel inserts.

Following on from the plain white and then the British Rail liveries that preceded it, this eye-catching emergency fire support version adds a further dimension to the series.