The Ford Transit Custom isn’t short of choice when it comes to conversions, but Rotherham-based Leighton Vans has taken things up a gear with its new LV-RF model, and it’s now officially recognised under GB Whole Vehicle Type Approval.
The LV-RF treatment takes the UK’s best-selling van and adds a dose of performance-inspired styling. Uprated suspension drops the ride height, larger wheels fill out the arches, and braking upgrades ensure stopping power matches the new look. Front and rear spoilers complete the package, giving the Transit Custom a far bolder road presence than the factory version.
Being more than simply a body kit, and seeing Ford approval as key to its business, the LV-RF had to go through some tough appraisal. The approval process demanded crash tests in Spain, along with high-speed braking and suspension assessments in both wet and dry conditions. Rigorous testing confirmed that the LV-RF’s lowered stance and larger wheels don’t compromise stability or safety, and puts the conversion on the same legal footing as Ford’s own models.
That recognition means Leighton Vans is now an official Ford converter, allowing customers to order the LV-RF through Ford dealers either as a fully built van or as a kit. The approval also opens the door to European sales, backed up by TÜV certification in Germany.
“It’s taken two years of hard work, engineering expertise, and global testing to get to this stage,” said Adam Jackson, head of parts sales and product development at Leighton Vans. “We’ve built our reputation on innovation, quality, and customer trust, and this recognition from Ford, VCA, and TÜV underlines everything we stand for.”
For customers, the big change is confidence. “It means customers can buy an upgraded new Transit Custom with full peace of mind, knowing the product has been thoroughly tested and meets the highest standards of safety and compliance,” added Jackson.
The move should spark a major expansion for the business, which expects to sell around 500 Transit Customs with the LV-RF kit
in the UK next year, taking its total sales beyond 1,000 vehicles. Longer term, Leighton Vans plans to grow revenues from £30m to £100m as it rolls out its own dealer network across the UK and Europe.
But for van drivers here and now, the appeal is simpler: a Transit Custom that looks sharper, feels sportier, and now carries Ford’s official stamp of approval.
