Ford has a proud history, stretching back to 1971, of producing high-performance supervans based on its Transit production models.
These race-car powered vans are, of course, built for the track as promotional tools and are not available for general (public) consumption as production vehicles.
For those who want to add a little lustre to their working load luggers, however, the manufacturer has occasionally given its blessing to converters to develop cosmetically enhanced versions of its production vans, which is an arrangement that can suit both parties: the converter gets valuable business from the UK’s leading LCV player while Ford gets extra kudos bestowed upon its reputation.
Likewise, customers, particularly SMEs, get a head-turning set of wheels to raise the profile of their business and boost the image of their brand.
What’s more, the owner is also in possession of a stylish, versatile vehicle that can be used for leisure pursuits at the weekend, such as carrying mountain bikes or surfing gear.
A little under a decade ago MS-RT, a vehicle modifier established in south Wales, began producing rally inspired conversions of Ford LCVs, including the Transit Custom, which has led to it opening a conversion site at Ford’s facility in Dagenham, Essex.
Now, South Yorkshire-based converter Leighton Vans has started a similar journey and has received official GB Whole Vehicle Type Approval to fit its LV-RF kit to the latest Ford Transit Custom.
Founded in 2008, Leighton Vans started out by producing modifications for Volkswagen light commercials and the LV-RF kit is also compatible with the new Transporter T7, which, unlike previous generations of the model, is based on the same platform as the Transit Custom.
The kit features uprated suspension, larger wheels and brakes as well as exterior front and rear spoilers, side skirts and wheel arch trims, all of which enhance the vehicle’s on-road presence. Leighton manages the entire conversion process in-house, from CAD (computer aided design) to paint to final fitment.
The company says in future the modifications could be supplied to Ford dealerships in either kit form or as fully built vans.
As an aftermarket fitment, Leighton Vans claims the pre-painted kit can be installed within 90 minutes.
The firm says the type approval process involved rigorous assessments, including a front-end pedestrian protection crash test and extensive high-speed brake and suspension testing, with the cargo box laden and unladen, in both wet and dry conditions, to ensure the larger wheels and lowered suspension did not compromise stopping distances, stability or safety.
Having successfully come through these examinations, Leighton Vans has set its sights on selling 500 of its LV-RF Customs in 2026.
The firm offers its LV-RF Custom as a panel van, crew van or camper van. We opted to put the five-seater crew van through its paces.
Performance and drive
Power comes from the same 2.0-litre 170hp EcoBlue diesel unit that tops the Ford factory line-up of Transit Custom vans. It is an excellent, responsive engine, providing substance to back up the swaggering style added by Leighton. The powertrain combines sweetly with Ford’s consummately smooth eight-speed automatic transmission while nicely weighted, sharp steering contributes to impressive handling when out on the open road.
The Transit Custom’s class-leading performance means the LV-RF’s attention-grabbing looks do not flatter to deceive but when cruising around tight city streets it’s advisable to be aware of the van’s 20” alloyed wheels when negotiating kerbside parking manoeuvres and to bear in mind its lowered front end when driving over speed bumps. Stick to the near ubiquitous 20mph speed limits and you should be OK.
Interior and loading
In the cabin, the chunky steering wheel in our van was moulded in carbon and perforated leather but a full leather design is also available. Leighton has retrimmed the seats with leather and stitching and introduced an embossed pattern. All the carpets are insulated to boost comfort for occupants and the ones in the front feature Leighton Vans branding but the overall effect, in the interior at least, is subtle and refined rather than garish. On the exterior, the ‘digital aqua blue’ paint job turns up the volume somewhat but, in our view, remains on the right side of vulgarity.
The conversion does not interfere with the workhorse credentials of the van. With the twin sliding rear doors giving access to the rear bench seat, the load area is reached solely by swinging open the rear tailgate. The payload is unaffected by the modifications, according to Leighton, and comes in at a meaty 1,100kg.
For operators prioritising space and people carrying over weight, the crew van’s load volume is 3.5m3. Opt for the single-cab panel van and you get a 5.8m3 load box.
| Model | LV-RF Ford Transit Custom Crew van |
| Price (ex VAT) | £48,995 |
| Insurance group | TBC |
| Warranty | 3yrs/100,000 miles |
| Service intervals | 2yrs/25,000 miles |
| Load length | 1,944mm |
| Load width (min/max) | 1,392mm /1,777mm |
| Load bay height | 1,427mm |
| Gross payload | 1,100kg |
| Load volume | 3.5m3 |
| Engine size/power | 1,996cc/170hp |
| Combined fuel economy | TBC |
| CO2 | TBC |
| Key rival | MS-RT Ford Transit Custom |
| Verdict | Based on Ford’s class-leading medium van, the LV-RF Custom represents an excellent option for small business owners looking to stand out from the crowd. |
| Score | 9/10 |
