Update – we’ve now driven the new Ford Transit Custom MS-RT. Click here to read the review!
The popular M-Sport range of upgraded Ford vans and pickups has been rebranded MS-RT.
So while the Ford Transit Custom M-Sport, Ford Transit Connect M-Sport and Ford Ranger M-Sport that Parkers Vans tested last year are no longer available, they have been replaced by new MS-RT models instead.
The Valentino Rossi special edition versions of the Transit Custom DCiV (Double-Cab-in-Van) and Ranger built by M-Sport continue with VR|46 branding as before.
Tested: Ford M-Sport Transit vans and Ranger pickup
Valentino Rossi VR|46 Ford Transit and Ranger limited editions
What’s new about the Ford Transit and Ranger MS-RT models?
Aside from a change in name, the specification for each Ford MS-RT model is essentially the same as the M-Sport it replaces – although as you can see from the pictures, there’s now an automatic gearbox option for the Custom.
This means lairy bodykits, lowered (or raised, in the case of the Ranger) suspension and custom leather interiors all round. Plus a bunch of optional exterior graphics packs that now boast the MS-RT logo instead of the M-Sport one.
What does MS-RT stand for?
M-Sport Road Technology.
Who’s behind the MS-RT vans?
As with M-Sport before it, the MS-RT light commercial vehicles are the product of a partnership between UK van modification specialists Van-Sport and Malcolm Wilson, a legendary figure in the world of British and international motorsport.
In particular, Malcolm Wilson’s firm is responsible for building all of Ford’s current Fiesta-based rally cars – from the more basic starter motorsport models right through to the flame-splitting World Rally Championship (WRC) version.
It also builds Global Rallycross cars as well as Bentley’s GT3 racers. Quite the pedigree.
The modified Transits and Rangers are hand-assembled at Van-Sport’s facility in South Wales, and sold exclusively via the Hartwell group of Ford dealerships. You can only buy a complete vehicle, rather than individual parts.
Notably, M-Sport as was is also responsible for creating the Ken Block Transit Custom DCiV that costs £50,000.
The £50k Ford Transit: Ken Block limited edition Custom now on sale
Why has M-Sport changed its name to MS-RT?
Parkers Vans has been given an official statement about this from M-Sport business development manager, Andrew Wheatley:
‘M-Sport as a business is expanding and diversifying into new business areas with new partners – as a result the decision was taken to focus the ‘Road Technology’ business under a new title and a new logo.
‘The MS-RT brand was launched in January 2017 with a win at the legendary Monte Carlo Rally with Sebastien Ogier and the Ford Fiesta WRC and now the time is right to promote the brand globally to represent the work that is done to produce modified road cars that carry the DNA of the motorsport programmes to their core.’
We understand that BMW may also have made an objection to the M-Sport name, which is also heavily associated with the German carmaker’s performance division.
For more details on the MS-RT product range see the official website: www.ms-rt.co.uk.
Also read:
Going wild: Ford Transit Custom M-Sport tested
Extreme machine: Ford Transit Connect M-Sport tested
Highly evolved: Ford Ranger M-Sport tested
Ford Transit Courier Sport review on Parkers Vans
