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Something very special has landed at Bridgend Ford...The SuperVan 3!
In 1994, to promote the new Mark 3 Transit Facelift, Supervan 2 was rebuilt as Supervan 3.[1] This was the first time that Supervan had been used to promote a new model, rather than a model already nearing its end of life. A seven-eighths scale reduced replica of the new bodyshell was fitted, together with a new engine, a Cosworth HB.[1] The work was carried out by DRL Engineering of Suffolk.[3] This version also had the longest promotional lifespan, appearing in public until 2001.[2] With several liveries in Ford's blue and white over the years, its final appearance was in Royal Mail red, celebrating Ford's new contract to supply their vans, taking over from a long arrangement with Leyland DAF Vans.
When first built as Supervan 2 in 1984, it was powered by a Ford-Cosworth DFL engine - the long-stroke endurance version of Ford's famous DFV F1 engine.
When the van was re-furbished in 1994 this original power unit was swapped for a 650bhp 3.5-litre Cosworth-developed Ford HB engine.
A few years later it was decided to fit a less powerful Ford-Cosworth Pro Sports 3000 engine, enabling more people to have the opportunity to drive this unique vehicle.
In 2004 a refurbishment was announced. The engine was replaced with a more practical Ford-Cosworth Pro Sports 3000 V6 engine, and the 1984 Ford Motorsport blue and white livery was restored. This work was carried out by Sporting and Historic Car Engineers of Bicester.
In 2007 it was suggested that Supervan 3's chassis might be rebuilt into a C100 and used for historic sports car racing.[1]
SuperVan 3 Technical details | |
Construction: | Aluminium/composite monocoque chassis with mid-mounted engine driving the rear wheels. Steel, aluminium and glassfibre body shell. |
Engine: | Ford-Cosworth V6, 2935cc, twin overhead camshafts per bank, four valves per cylinder. Tuned to Pro Sports 3000 spec, including dry sump. Power output approx 295bhp @ 6,800rpm |
Transmission: | Five speed, longitudinally-mounted Hewland |
Suspension: | Front and rear - independent, coil springs, wishbones, anti-roll bar. Rack and pinion steering. |
Brakes: | 279mm (11in) diameter ventilated carbon discs, Brembo four-piston callipers, carbon pads |
Performance: | Top speed approx 150mph (241kph) |
Not only are we hosting this beautiful vehicle for the next couple of days, we also have the vitual SuperVan 3 available at Bridgend Ford...Race anyone?
Brendan & James are enjoying the latest addition to the showroom.. maybe you will too?
Come down to Bridgend Ford and experience this piece of history. Vehicle is available from 08/10/19 - 11/10/19
