It became a true team effort between both Vaccar and our customer to seek out the best possible donor vehicle for the Transit Connect swap. Admittedly, we first consider simply pulling the drivetrain from wrecked vehicle – but, the more we considered the potential needs and requirements of parts for the proper swap (and to save time and money), we started pursuing the purchase of an entire, running, vehicle. Once the choice to find a “full” vehicle was made, it also made sense to obtain a vehicle that boasted the best of vehicle options – bonuses, if you will.

The specimen that was ultimately narrowed down and chosen, located in West Virginia, couldn't have been better find! It was a running and driving 2014 Focus ST, honestly with somewhat minimum front-end damage from the wreck that rendered it a salvage vehicle. It also features a beautiful black leather Recaro seat set, a fairly good condition set of ST wheels, and more. The customer was even able to have a forum-friend, locally check out the vehicle prior to us making the drive with our rig and to do our own inspection.

Once we loaded up the new donor vehicle, and headed back to Vaccar's Master Garage in Florida, we were ready to prep the shop for things to get serious. Upon arrival, we did an initial inspection, as we started to 'unpack' the vehicle of all the parts and pieces. It became apparent that he previous owner of this ST had it equipped with various aftermarket piece, many of which are some nice add-ons that will transfer over to the new chassis - some of those items included upgraded intercooler pipes, aftermarket rear engine mount, bypass valve, and documentation of what might also be a nice clutch set.

At this point, we knew we'd need to take special care with evaluating and handling of parts of the drivetrain from a vehicle that at one point had a owner who may or may not have abused it (sadly, a factor to consider when we spot aftermarket modifications).

Does Vaccar specialize in Ford Transit vans? Well, perhaps we do. When a new customer contacted us in  mid-2016 from Denver, CO, seeking the guidance for a unique project platform, his well-informed hunch was true; we have in fact had our hands on a couple of these awesome vans.

It (our affair with Ford's newest Transit Connect) all started at the 2012 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, when our team was welcomed behind closed doors with a select group of other industry car builders. The task laid before us was to design, pitch, and build bespoke vans for their '13 SEMA display. Fast forward, we arrive in Las Vegas the following year with a highly customized, pre-production (then) Ford Transit Connect vans!

Since then, we've re-worked this platform a couple of times over - mostly restyling concepts, with some custom chassis and performance work as well. However, our new friend from the Mid-West was about to rock our world with a bold, new idea. What started in conversations as the desire for a mildly sporty, manual transmission conversion, quickly turned into the beginning of the very first Ford Transit Connect ST (concept)!

On our way home from SEMA-2016 in Las Vegas, we meet up with our new friend/customer in Colorado to pick up the project vehicle; a freshly acquired 2014 Ford Transit wagon.  We now plan to the journey with the world, as the build unfolded at our Florida facility, Vaccar's Master Garage - feel free to watch and interact on social media with the hashtag #TransitConnectST, @Vaccar / @VaccarOfficial

In 2016, Aaron and Carl Vaccar attended Formula Drift in Orlando, representing the Ford Performance brand alongside an all-new Ford Focus RS and Mustang GT350.  This year, Vaccar is planning to return to the Ford display, but with one of their own creations; the Blood & Grease Ford Focus ST.  The action-packed event will hit florida this weekend, April 28 and 29th.  For more info about the race, visit their website at www.formulad.com. 

Vaccar has been invited to display one of our specialty vehicles at SeaWorld's all-new "Seven Seas Food Festival" this Spring.  The event series is all about concerts, food, and fun - and now, with the added element of a custom car showcase!

Attendees can sip and simple their way around the world via the culinary marketplaces, and end the day with live performances from top country, rock and latin music artists every Saturday.  In the midst of all the action, the Vaccar-designed Blood & Grease Focus ST will be 1 or 10 automotive masterpieces placed within the amusement park on the April 22nd weekend date.

2015-2016 Ford Edge AWD/Sport owners are celebrating, because it's been a long wait for Sport Spring suspension from H&R!  The rumors are settled, and Vaccar is one of the first to offer these available for purchase, today!  Full spec's, below, or view them in our store now by clicking HERE!

It is rare that Vaccar would offer one of the original concepts from the SEMA Show direct for purchase to the public,  but this is one of those moments.  The 2015 Ford Edge Sport by Vaccar was designed for debut in the Ford Motor Company booth at the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.  It was also driven by Aaron Vaccar, as one of SEMA's "30 under 30," on the 2016 Hot Rod Power Tour with the SEMA Young Executives Network.  With only 7500 miles of road time clocked, the car is in pristine condition to be driven daily or collected as a show piece.

There is currently a limited time offer to purchase the Vaccar Edge Sport directly from Vaccar via an eBay listing, which you can visit by clicking HERE.

Ford Motor Company recently debuted the latest evolution of their Expedition, and it's everything we could have hoped for with a model update.  It's the smartest, most capable and most adaptable Expedition ever – from EcoBoost to generous space and tech-connectivity, it's ready for your next adventure.

Click below to read the full press release details;