Ford MS-RT Transit Custom announced

As the ute market continues to spawn large-than-life sporty and rugged pick-ups, such as the HSV-branded Holden Colorado SportCat, another side of the commercial vehicle segment is finally getting some love – vans.

Behold the MS-RT Ford Transit Custom, a sporty-looking van that handles deliveries on weekdays and parties on weekends.

Born and bred in the Melbourne suburb of Altona, the MS-RT Ford Transit Custom is ADR approved and features a bold body kit, new wheels, suspension and refitted interior to name a few and joins other conversions such as the MS-RT Ford Ranger.

MS-RT's Frank York told trucksales.com.au it takes around two weeks and $24K to transform the Ford Transit into a buff-looking van.

Despite the high price for the conversion, which is on top of the cost of the van which starts at $40,990, York says: "There is interest here, we've sold a few, small numbers at this stage."

"Unlike the previous model we manufacture everything in house. Everything clips back on, the clips, the lugs and so forth. As a result it looks great – it looks like original equipment. We're pretty happy with that," he said.

The major changes include new ground-hugging body work with a new front apron, side skirts and front and rear splitters and spoilers. There's wheel arch extensions to give it more presence and Eibach rear springs can be added "for improved ride and handling" says the company.

The interior is enhanced with Nappa leather and Alcantara upholstery on the seats, there's a leather flat-bottom steering wheel that appears very similar to the item from the Ford Focus RS and carbon inlays. Custom carpets get stitched logos and there's MS-RT logos on the instrument cluster too.

Exclusive 18-inch OZ Racing wheels are fitted, as are MS-RT badges and twin exhaust pipe extensions.

The 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine (96kW/385Nm) remains untouched.

"We extend the exhaust but we don't touch anything with the powertrain – these [exhaust] tips are added for appearance," said York.

He said almost every customer asks about performance upgrades but the company avoids fiddling with engines because "we don't want to void warranties – people can take it home and do their own [engine] upgrades," he said.