Big Pimp
RMS Trader
So as a few of you have probably seen on Facebook and Instagram, the replacement for the Caddy has finally arrived!
I love vans, and my caddy illustrated just how handy they are, and quite simply, I loved it. I loved the complete transformation it undertook but ultimately, i took it as far as i think it was possible to without looking into an engine swap or other equally radical ideas, so the time came to look for a replacement.
I was offered a more than reasonable price for it and just before Christmas my van left me for the last time.
I already knew what I was after. Firstly, I don't need a larger van than the small caddy sized vans (my typical load is drills, fittings, dispensers for my regular work and samples to demonstrate, with machines being carried from time to time) so it needed to be of a similar size.
It needed to have 3 seats (I have 3 kids, but typically 1 is away doing something or other, so being able to pick up the other 2 without having to change into another car was a necessity) and that narrowed the choices down a bit.
A few years ago when it came time for a new van for the main anachem business, i went for the new shape Ford Transit Connect (I chose long wheel base as it suited our needs better) and 5 or 6 years later, its still going fantastically well, despite the abuse having a variety of drivers can levy on a van.
I of course modified it slightly, and it runs on a set of genuine ST wheels, and side bars and a front a-bar make it look a bit different.
I loved the look of them already, but then a couple of years ago MS-RT came on the scene with a very sporty looking van and to me they just looked brilliant.
Second hand MS-RT vans are still commanding a premium, but on Instagram last year I saw stories starting to emerge about the facelift transit connect, and importantly, MS-RT being awarded Ford QVM (qualified vehicle modifier) status - What this means essentially is:
– They meet Ford’s standards in manufacturing, engineering and quality control.
– They are regularly assessed by Ford.
– They offer comprehensive customer support.
– All conversion work is guaranteed by MS-RT and it doesn’t affect your Ford warranty.
– The product is approved by Ford to sell in their dealerships.
So I specced up a van to suit my needs - a 3 seater panel van.
MS-RT take the top of the range van and modify it to make them different.
The exterior customisation includes a MS-RT front bumper, grilles, front diffuser, side skirts, rear diffuser and spoiler. In addition, they fit a quad stainless steel sports exhaust system, 18-inch OZ Racing alloy wheels and Michelin tyres.
I chose the automatic gearbox and coming home yesterday from Buncrana Road, the 100 odd miles were effortless easy driving in the bespoke nappa leather and suede interior and a MS-RT carbon inlay sports steering wheel
The 1.5 120bhp 270nm engine may not be the fastest in the world, but i have an X5 running 400bhp, and the dakar M3 for a bit of fun if needed!
some of the cool features in it include dual loading side doors, bi-xenon headlamps, automatic headlights and wipers, premium infotainment (which also includes apple CarPlay) with reversing camera so as i said, it is really well specced.
The only options left (and I chose none of them!) were the sticker pack (not needed as I'll be getting @Blackwater Graphics to brand it for me soon) bronze alloy wheels (i like the silver OZ on it already and if I do choose to change the wheels at some stage in the future I'll go for something bigger and a different style) black exhaust tips and a maxhaust system which is essentially an exhaust with a speaker to make it sound different to the 1.5 derv weapon it is!
Anyway, enough rambling on about it - you'd nearly think I was writing a sales ad for Hollybrook!
Only a few photos from collection yesterday - I've already dropped it to Trimtech NI for him to ply-line and carpet it and make it fit for my needs with a few cupboards and storage areas where I can always keep some stock if any of you guys see me along the road and need anything!!!
Thanks,
Ross
I love vans, and my caddy illustrated just how handy they are, and quite simply, I loved it. I loved the complete transformation it undertook but ultimately, i took it as far as i think it was possible to without looking into an engine swap or other equally radical ideas, so the time came to look for a replacement.
I was offered a more than reasonable price for it and just before Christmas my van left me for the last time.
I already knew what I was after. Firstly, I don't need a larger van than the small caddy sized vans (my typical load is drills, fittings, dispensers for my regular work and samples to demonstrate, with machines being carried from time to time) so it needed to be of a similar size.
It needed to have 3 seats (I have 3 kids, but typically 1 is away doing something or other, so being able to pick up the other 2 without having to change into another car was a necessity) and that narrowed the choices down a bit.
A few years ago when it came time for a new van for the main anachem business, i went for the new shape Ford Transit Connect (I chose long wheel base as it suited our needs better) and 5 or 6 years later, its still going fantastically well, despite the abuse having a variety of drivers can levy on a van.
I of course modified it slightly, and it runs on a set of genuine ST wheels, and side bars and a front a-bar make it look a bit different.
I loved the look of them already, but then a couple of years ago MS-RT came on the scene with a very sporty looking van and to me they just looked brilliant.
Second hand MS-RT vans are still commanding a premium, but on Instagram last year I saw stories starting to emerge about the facelift transit connect, and importantly, MS-RT being awarded Ford QVM (qualified vehicle modifier) status - What this means essentially is:
– They meet Ford’s standards in manufacturing, engineering and quality control.
– They are regularly assessed by Ford.
– They offer comprehensive customer support.
– All conversion work is guaranteed by MS-RT and it doesn’t affect your Ford warranty.
– The product is approved by Ford to sell in their dealerships.
So I specced up a van to suit my needs - a 3 seater panel van.
MS-RT take the top of the range van and modify it to make them different.
The exterior customisation includes a MS-RT front bumper, grilles, front diffuser, side skirts, rear diffuser and spoiler. In addition, they fit a quad stainless steel sports exhaust system, 18-inch OZ Racing alloy wheels and Michelin tyres.
I chose the automatic gearbox and coming home yesterday from Buncrana Road, the 100 odd miles were effortless easy driving in the bespoke nappa leather and suede interior and a MS-RT carbon inlay sports steering wheel
The 1.5 120bhp 270nm engine may not be the fastest in the world, but i have an X5 running 400bhp, and the dakar M3 for a bit of fun if needed!
some of the cool features in it include dual loading side doors, bi-xenon headlamps, automatic headlights and wipers, premium infotainment (which also includes apple CarPlay) with reversing camera so as i said, it is really well specced.
The only options left (and I chose none of them!) were the sticker pack (not needed as I'll be getting @Blackwater Graphics to brand it for me soon) bronze alloy wheels (i like the silver OZ on it already and if I do choose to change the wheels at some stage in the future I'll go for something bigger and a different style) black exhaust tips and a maxhaust system which is essentially an exhaust with a speaker to make it sound different to the 1.5 derv weapon it is!
Anyway, enough rambling on about it - you'd nearly think I was writing a sales ad for Hollybrook!
Only a few photos from collection yesterday - I've already dropped it to Trimtech NI for him to ply-line and carpet it and make it fit for my needs with a few cupboards and storage areas where I can always keep some stock if any of you guys see me along the road and need anything!!!
Thanks,
Ross
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