What's the news?
Ford in Ireland is celebrating its 100th birthday this year - and so is the Model TT, claimed to be the first van in the world. To mark the occasion, there's a big Ford festival taking place at the end of August, at which there will be an example of the Model TT.
Launched in 1917, the Model TT was based on the Model T car but had a heavier frame and rear axle, making it Ford's first purpose-built one-tonne van. It came as an open chassis when bought by customers, who could then adapt the cargo bed area to whatever load they needed to carry.
It was built in the US at first, but during the 1920s the Ford Model TT was also put together in Cork, the factory there celebrating its 100th birthday at the same time as the van.
Further details on the Model TT were that it was a two-seater cab, the vehicle was longer and stronger than the Model T car, and it has a cranking handle on the front to get it started. It also offered owners the chance to have air-filled tyres, instead of solid rubber at each corner.
Ciarán McMahon, chairman and managing director of Ford Ireland, said: "In this our 100th year in Ireland, it is also great to be celebrating the centenary of the first commercial vehicle thanks to Ford's introduction of the Model TT. It is true that the modern version of the Model TT, the Transit, is a million miles from the original but they fundamentally do the same job today as they did 100 years ago - providing a flexible means of keeping businesses on the move. Try to picture an economy working properly without commercial vehicles!"
Anything else?
Fans of commercial vehicles who would like to see an original Model TT up close and personal should head along to the ancestral home-farm of Henry Ford's family, near Ballinascarthy, County Cork, on Sunday, August 27th, for the Ford 100 Fest. Organised by the West Cork Vintage Ploughing and Threshing Association, there will be Model Ts, Model TTs and also a large display of Fordson tractors, many of which were produced at the Ford plant in Cork.