Ford Cargo
Built: 1981 · Series: Other models
More machines from model year 1981
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Ford Transcontinental: heavy tractor unit from Ford of Europe with a six-cylinder engine, 14,000 cm3 displacement and 23,000 kg gross vehicle weight for European long-haul transport
The Transcontinental was Ford of Europe's heavy tractor unit for long-haul transport, aimed at hauliers on European long-distance routes looking for a dedicated truck beyond Ford's lighter ranges. The model represented the manufacturer's attempt to gain a footing in the heavy tractor unit market alongside the established European truck brands.
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The Transcontinental is powered by a six-cylinder engine with 14,000 cm3 displacement. Gross vehicle weight is 23,000 kg, overall length 6,700 mm, wheelbase 4,600 mm, and width 2,500 mm. Unladen weight is 8,565 kg, and the vehicle runs on six wheels.
As a tractor unit, the Transcontinental carries a semi-trailer's kingpin on its fifth wheel coupling; axle configuration, wheelbase and permitted fifth-wheel load determine which trailer can be coupled. With a gross weight of 23,000 kg and a six-cylinder, 14-litre engine, the Transcontinental belonged in the heavy long-haul class typical of articulated combinations in international freight transport.
When buying a used tractor unit of this kind, the condition of the frame and fifth-wheel coupling matters, since both components absorb high fifth-wheel loads and twisting at the trailer connection over years of use. The engine and gearbox should be checked for oil seepage at the seals and for running noise under load, and the brake system for even response across all six wheels, since uneven wear on a combination of this weight class quickly becomes dangerous.
Sources: SpecCodex-Register: Kennwerte des Modells Ford Transcontinental
Technical data
Engine
| Engine | 5.7 Dovertech I6 (1981-2003)7.3 Ecotorq (2003-2015)9.0 Ecotorq (2012-2019)12.7 Ecotorq (2016-2019)correct |
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Frequently asked questions
When was the Ford Cargo built?
Production years: 1981.
What to check before buying
- Check the hour meter against the service records — a replaced instrument is the most common gap.
- Compare the data plate and chassis number with the papers.
- Ask about parts availability for this build year — the running costs hang on it.
A general list for this type of machine — no substitute for an inspection or an appraiser.
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This page carries 1 individual figure for this model. They come from 2 recorded sources; every figure can be traced there. What we cannot document is not here — we leave gaps open rather than estimate them.
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Other models in this series
Sources: Wikipedia (retrieved August 2026) · How we check the data
Truck in 3D section
Turn the model, look inside and click an assembly — each one is explained.
