How many of you remember when Ford made the Transcontinental for the U.K. and European sales markets?

The basic chassis was from a Louisville 9000 series, the cab from Berliet of France, and the powertrain a Cummins turbo diesel engine with Fuller transmission.

Originally introduced in the U.K. in 1975, which at the time had yet to increase the weight limit (then 32 tons), and so limited the sales of the Transcontinental, which had a 44-ton GCW, to 8,735 units throughout its run; most of these were assembled at Ford's Dutch plant, but the last 504 units built for the 1983 model year were assembled locally at the ex-Foden plant in Sandbach, Cheshire. I am wondering if because of the then-current weight limit, if those truck drivers who had a Transcontinental or any other Class 8 vehicle above the then 32-ton limit there had a tax imposed on their rigs for each additional ton beyond the limit?

~Ben

 

Hi mate,
Ford actually imported a few Transcontinentals to Australia for evaluation purposes in the outback, way back when.
My mother bought me a "Matchbox"model of one complete with matching dog trailer when I was growing up watching trucks, which I still own.

Would have thought they would have been popular Downunder but seems the Ford Cargo, D series and Louisville line won out.for our local production.