The popular Ford Bantam will celebrate its 25th anniversary with the introduction of an exciting limited edition model: the Bantam Montana. With its rugged features and hard working aptitude the Ford Bantam Montana epitomises the Built Ford Tough ethos and is sure to stand out among the crowd.

Ford Bantam is a trusted workhorse

“South African consumers were first introduced to the Ford Bantam in 1983,” says Ford Marketing Manager: Ben Pillay. “Twenty-five years later the Bantam is still going strong. To celebrate its success and longstanding service we are introducing a limited run of 200 Bantam Montana models.”

The Ford Bantam Montana will be available in both 1.3-litre and 1.6-litre configurations, based on the 1.3 and 1.6 XLT derivatives respectively. This exciting limited edition pick-up has been specifically designed to meet the stringent demands of South African motorists, having been designed locally with local buyers in mind.

The Ford Bantam – developed by South Africans, in South Africa – is the product of home-grown expertise purpose-designed to suit local operating environments. With a high local content, parts are freely available and at a lower cost, making the Bantam a wise choice for any would-be buyer.

Mechanically speaking, the Ford Bantam Montana remains unchanged with the same proven front wheel drive layout. Featuring popular half tonner sports Macpherson struts up front, a conventional dead axle at the rear with gas-filled shocks at the front and rear. The combination equates to a comfortable driving experience that has many qualities normally associated with small passenger vehicles.

Trusted engines

The special edition Bantam is powered by the locally manufactured RoCam power plants, with two engine variations to choose between. The 1.3-litre RoCam produces 55kW @ 5 500rpm and 110Nm @ 3 000rpm while the 1.6-litre RoCam unit offers 70kW at 5 500rpm and 137Nm from 2 500rpm.

The first indications of the Montana theme comes by way of the Montana decals strategically placed on the side of the vehicle and on the sturdy tailgate, while the Montana branded tonneau cover further enhances the look.

Ford Bantam look & feel

In keeping with the theme of rugged ability the Ford Bantam Montana comes equipped with a number of practical and aesthetic details. A sporty front bumper with a wire mesh grille is complimented by the addition of front fog lamps. Stainless steel side sills, sport bar and rear step bumper cement the vehicles masculine appeal while simultaneously providing a durable solution as the stainless steel better withstands scratches and dents.

While the Montana steps up the pace in the aesthetic department it loses none of its practicality. Measuring in at 1 430mm, the Bantam, offers the widest loadbox in its class. The added flexibility of the wider loadbox is an invaluable asset no matter what ones loading requirements are.

The Ford Bantam Montana sports a payload of 650kgs, offers a ground clearance of 195mm and has a tank capacity of 54litres. The combination of practicality and car-like comfort set the vehicle apart from its adversaries and make for an attractive proposition no matter what your requirements.

As can be found with the rest of the Bantam range, the Bantam Montana comes standard with a 4yr / 120 000km warranty while services are at 15 000km intervals.