Think that custom vans are a relic of the 1970s? Think again. Ford’s new Transit Connect is part minivan, but the commercial version is also part panel van, and those vehicles have been the darlings of hot rodders since the 1950s surf culture. With that in mind, Ford turned several modifiers loose on the Transit Connect for the SEMA show in Las Vegas, and is calling the result “Vandemonium.”
Ten modified Transit Connects will be on display from November 5-8. Six vans and four wagons have been upgraded and modified in a wild variety of ways, taking advantage of the dual sliding doors and spacious interiors.
From rolling fashion boutiques and speed shops to rolling billboards, the Transit Connects of Vandemonium showcase the versatility and flexibility of the platform, as well as an endless well of creativity. Mobsteel chopped and lowered a Transit Connect to create a billboard, while Strange Motion created a BMX-bike hauling team truck. Pentech Automotive offers a mobile gamers’ lounge; Blood & Grease is responsible for the fashion boutique, and CGS Motorsports considered the Transit Connect’s potential as a dragstrip support vehicle. Impulse Marketing looked back, with a baked-goods delivery vehicle, while eJudged responded with a forward-looking mobile wi-fi hot spot. LGE*CTS Motorsports envisioned the Transit Connect Wagon as a cross-country hauler. Ford’s reserving one customized Transit to be unveiled at the show itself, just to keep some element of surprise.
Ford’s pushing the Transit Connect’s versatility as well as the potential cool-factor of the panel van. The compact vans should appeal to small business owners, but having a few car nuts who appreciate the potential for a useful but customizable vehicle will certainly broaden the van’s appeal when it goes on sale next year.
