The Ford Transit is still in demand on the used market as it celebrates 50 years on sale, according to Shoreham Vehicle Auctions.

Three generations of Transit going under the hammer at the south coast auctioneers in July included a 1997, ex-utility Transit Mk3, a popular 2007, long wheelbase, high roof 2.5 litre diesel Mk4 and a 2014 long wheelbase, medium roof Transit Mk5 with just 22,000 miles on the clock.

The newest Transit, the 2014 long-wheelbase, reached £16,600, far surpassing its CAP Average figure of £14,500 by £2,100.

The older, fourth generation Transit also surpassed its CAP Average estimation of £3,525. With 50,000 miles on the clock, the 2007 model sold for £3,600. It demonstrates that following eight years of service, models continue to hold a competitive value in the market.

Even the oldest model, a third generation, 18-year-old Transit with an indicated mileage of 46,000, sold for £900 at Shoreham in July. Despite being more than double the age of the next oldest model, the ex-council vehicle still found a new owner, demonstrating the desire for the Transit in the market.

With stable prices and increased supply of used LCVs over two-years-old inspiring confidence in SMEs, the final selling prices for three generations of Transit not only reflects the strength of the marketplace, but the ability for Ford’s 50-year-old model to remain in high demand and attract buyers, regardless of age and mileage.

“With an 18-year-old Transit recently passing through our halls, it demonstrates that buyers are still prepared to pay nearly £1,000 for a dependable vehicle, but that older vehicles are still performing in the market, despite an influx of newer LCVs in better condition and at competitive prices,” says Tim Spencer, commercial vehicle sales manager at Shoreham Vehicle Auctions.

“The appeal of Transits has never been in question, but this explicitly demonstrates that the lure of the brand continues to hold firm with buyers in its 50th year. UK fleets and SMEs remain attracted to the marque, regardless of the age, condition and mileage of the vehicle, and will doubtless continue to for the next 50 years to come,” he added.