In 1967, Ford made the decision to carry out a thorough investigation of the sector of 3.5 to 7 ton GVW trucks.

Some 20 vehicles running over 500,000 miles were used during the three-year, 12 million-pound proving and development programme.

Over 350 basic variants were built, allowing for wheelbase, gross weight, engine and body types, and also LHD and RHD.

Even an articulated tractor or "baby" artic, the AA0709 with a GCW of 6600 kg was added to the range but only sold in the UK.

Unlike the Transit that had a facelift in 1977/1978 the "A" retained its profile for the entire period of production.