Ford Transit Connect - Van or Not?

I'm sure this is going to be a similar discussion as the Chevy HHR, but do you guys think the Ford Transit Connect is a legit van? Do you think you'll see them be customized?

 

There is a very fine line on newer vehicles about WHAT IS and WHAT IS NOT a van.

The transit is a VAN The HHR is not a van, BUT The HHR PANEL is allowed into VANS ONLY eVANts because it is a  PANEL Panel Trucks were Vans, before VANS existed.

Here is the list of what IS and IS NOT a VAN by the Nationals Board.


The following is a list of Vehicles that would be accepted into the Nationals? This list is only to be used at the Nationals? and does not regulate
what can or can not come to any local eVANt. Local eVANt attendance is governed by the host club and the custom of the area/
Type of Vehicle
Panel Truck yes
Windowed panel (pre 73) yes
Hearse/Sedan Delivery no
Van up no
Swat truck/bread truck or step van yes
Cube Van (ambulance no
Class “C” no
Transvan no
Explorer motor home (dodge) yes
Ambulance/Van (not Cube) yes
VW yes
MPV yes
Aerostat, Winstar, Astro yes
Safari, Caravan, Voyager yes
Hand Built box/mutant Vans chassis yes
PT Cruiser no
HHR Panel yes
HHR window no
Vehicles considered vans in Foreign countries not available for sale in the US. This is a gray area and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Again these are the "RULES" For the VAN Nationals, but any other eVANt can allow anything they want. Most Eastern States will allow pick up trucks to enter if they are affiliated with a VAN club.

But to answer your original question.... Yes it is a VAN!  

Yes, a very ugly van but still a van.  
Mike Cook
Vice President
Inland Vans Berdoo
2008 Route 66 Hall of Fame Inductee

IMVANISHINGBREED:
Yes, a very ugly van but still a van.

Any better?  

 

I fell in love with the Transits in 2000 when I toured the plant in England.  The Connect is ideal for me for a second vehicle.  I can do my work as a courier, get decent mileage, and go to a van run after work on Saturday!  I saw a convoy of full size Transits last June on I 94 in Michigan, so I am sure they are coming, too!  

Yup I think we will in time...  

I bet there will be a market... those two pictures feature two different bumper mouldings...  
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sasktrini, Saskatoon, SK, Canada

'64 Ford Econoline - 170 FalconSix, 3-on-the-tree
'85 Chevy G20 - 350 TargetMaster, 3sp auto
'68 Fargo A-100 - 225 SlantSix, 727 3spd auto w/ dash shifter

I think it would have to grow on me.Didn't like my girls Astro, took time to get into them.Need a little camping space in there.Door looks interesting on the blue one.  
Van Promoter & Van Ethusiast
Info On future East coast events
www.newenglandvancouncil

I do like the blue and white one better but the body style just makes me cringe. I think it's the hood ( old saying: "if it has a hood it's no good") comes to mind but who knows it could grow on me once I have seen a few in person. It is also to tall for my tastes, much like the Sprinter.  
Mike Cook
Vice President
Inland Vans Berdoo
2008 Route 66 Hall of Fame Inductee

Well, a good engine would cover for funky styling, in my book. A 220-horse EcoBoost option or nice little turbodiesel would make me interested.    

I agree on the turbo diesel. The styling is ok for a delivery van I guess but that high profile just doesn't do anything for me. The side doors are plain ugly but if someone were to swap them for gull wing doors and add Lambo doors to the front and slam it I think it might win me over.  
Mike Cook
Vice President
Inland Vans Berdoo
2008 Route 66 Hall of Fame Inductee

Um, one comment "Chop it"!!!!