Launched in 1965, the Ford Transit is synonymous with a van. Developed and built by Ford’s UK operations, this 1965 model Ford Transit has a record by itself – it was probably the only model in the world that remained unchanged for the maximum number of years. Known as Mk1 or Mark I, the Ford Transit was developed to takeover the success of her predecessor, Ford Thames.

After about a decade, the new version called Mark II (Mk2) debuted. It’s popularity as an effective soared, and soon they were produced not only in the UK, but also Turkey, Belgium, Netherlands, Australia and New Zealand.

Cigarette maker Rothmans* (now part of British American Tobacco) has always been an active sponsor of motorsports from the beginning of the 1980’s. They and their other brands* have sponsored the Porsche, Ford Opel and even Paris-Dakar Rally teams. 

In 1981, such Rothmans Rally Assistance vehicles helped the support teams of Ford (Ford Granada Mk2 Turnier) and Opel (Opel Ascona 400). 

* Rothmans International also owned the following cigarette brands,
- Rothmans King Size
- Benson & Hedges
- Black Cat
- Consulate
- Craven A
- Dunhill
- Golden American
- John Player's Gold
- Kent
- Pall Mall
- Perilly's
- Peter Stuyvesant
- Royals 25's
- State Express 555
- St Moritz Menthol
- Winfield