Ford A-Series

This article is about the Ford UK transit vehicles. For the American Ford cars produced between 1903-1904, see Ford Model A (1903-1904). For the American Ford cars produced between 1927-1931, see Ford Model A (1927-1931). For the Aeromax series of Ford heavy trucks, see Ford L-Series Trucks. For other uses, see A-series.

The Ford A-series was built in the UK from 1972 to 1984 to fill the gap between the relatively small Transit of 3.5 metric tonnes GVW and the bigger 7 tonne D-series. The "A" cab shared most components with the Transit and the most notable differencies are the longer and wider wings, longer hood and a different grille. Unlike the Transit that had a face lift in 1977/1978 the "A" retained its profile for the entire period of production.

In 1967, Ford made the decision to carry out a thorough investigation of the sector of 3.5 to 7 ton GVW trucks. The decision to introduce the range was made in 1970 and development began in early 1971. Public debut for the A-series (after-Ford Model TT (1917-1925), Ford Model TT (1925-1927), Ford Model AA (1927-1929), Ford Model AA (1930-1931), Ford Model BB, Ford Model V8-51, Ford 77-81 "Barrel Nose Truck", Ford V3000S, Ford Rhein/Ruhr, Ford FK (1951-1955), Ford FK (1955-1961), and Ford K-Series/Thames Trader NC) was at the Frankfurt Motor Show 1973. Some 20 vehicles running over 500 000 miles were used during the three-year, 12 million-pound proving and development programme.

Commercially first introduced on September 13, 1973. Over 350 basic variants 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. The "A" cab shared most components with the Transit and the most notable differences are the longer and wider wings, longer hood and a different grille. Unlike the Transit that had a face lift in 1977/1978 the "A" retained its profile for the entire period of production.

The A-series could be divided into 2 categories.

The smaller A04xx with 14in wheels, 6x170mm bolt pattern, and 4 cylinder engines.
The bigger A05xx / A06xx with 16in wheels, 6x205mm bolt pattern, stronger frame and 6 cylinder engines.

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