Features in the forthcoming Indiana Jones And The Dial of Destiny film
UK registered van
Fully resprayed for filming in 2022 and in good condition
Fiat 238 also made famous in The Italian Job
Fiat’s highly capable and spacious forward control van
Standard van ready for buyer to use or personalise
Left Hand Drive
The Appeal
The humble Fiat 238 forward control van was Italy’s workhorse throughout the 1960s and early 70s. Its ubiquity has given it a place in the backdrop of history. And films too. 238s feature in The Italian Job and most recently the new Indiana Jones movie, due out this year.
Even though the new Indiana Jones film isn’t out yet, we know this because this 1971 Fiat is one of three 238s used in the filming of Spielberg and Harrison Ford’s new action movie. It was comprehensively resprayed from Ferrari red to mid blue for the film and is presented in good condition. It is UK registered and armed with its interesting history looks ready for a new life as a characterful load lugger or for personalisation and showing.
The History And Paperwork
DVLA states first registered on 1st January 1971
UK registered with DVLA on 1st October 2021
Supplied with UK and original Italian plates
Registered in the UK as GAM411J
Tax and MOT exempt
Resprayed from Ferrari red to blue for filming but believes originally white
Simple, original off-white metal dashboard in good condition
Door cards appear original and in aged but good condition
Headlining appears original with some signs of patina
Original rubber floor coverings
Bench seats to rear
There is something disarmingly appealing about the simplicity of the 238’s interior: compared even to a contemporary Ford Transit it is spartan, with just a speedometer and set of basic read-outs to distract the driver.
The interior of this 1971 van appears to have received a partial restoration at some point recently as the black vinyl seats are in good condition (they appear to have been recovered).
Elsewhere the grey plastic door cards appear original and in good albeit age-marked condition. Most obviously there is a long crack in the driver’s side card.
The rubber floor mats appear original and are in reasonable condition for the age of the vehicle. Some of the fibre sound proofing is leaking out beside the accelerator pedal. The hard plastic central under-dash fascia has deteriorated in places and cracked.
The remaining switchgear, including the dashboard and overhead vents, are in good condition. The headlining appears original and is complete but with water marks showing on either side by the doors.
The load area is inevitably showing signs of use. Wooden bench seats line either side, the wooden tops showing a lovely patina. There is an old load cover mat covering part of the floor.
The Exterior
Appears to have originally been off-white
Resprayed mid blue in 2022 for filming from Ferrari red
Pair of rear doors and pair of side doors
Painted metal bumpers
The exterior of this van belies its age, thanks in large part to the recent professional respray for the Indian Jones film. The colour, a period-correct mid blue, suits the 238 and has been applied with care, extending to the door shuts.
The paintwork remains in good condition, with no obvious deterioration, although localised on the front nearside wheel arch. The paint on the door tread plates around the vehicle is generally poor and shows signs of the previous red showing through. There appears to be a small area of corrosion under the windscreen behind the nearside wiper.
The metal bumpers have been painted in a chrome-effect paint. There is a large chunk of paint missing from the offside front bumper which has also begun to show signs of corrosion.
The Vendor, who undertook the respray work, states that the van arrived in the UK painted Ferrari red with various decals. He states that he has photographs of the van from this time so buyers may wish to enquire about these.
The Mechanics
1197cc 43bhp four cylinder petrol engine
Four speed manual gearbox
The front-engined 238 uses a 1.2litre version of Fiat’s venerable 4 cylinder engine. It is mated to a four speed manual gearbox. The speedometer shows around 20,000 kms but as there is no history with the van and it has not been UK MOT’d it is not possible to verify this.
The mechanicals of the 238 were shared with many contemporary Fiats. It is a relatively simple set up known for its durability and parts supply should be generally good.
The van was imported to the UK in October 2021 and UK registered at the same time. However there is no MOT history with the vehicle.
Summary
The Fiat 238’s central place in Italian life in the 1960s and 70s and its role in contemporary films means that there is a thriving European scene for these vans but they are a very rare sight in the UK.
This van has an interesting recent history and is presented in good condition with recent restoration work. There is scope to improve it, perhaps even personalise it as it was pre-respray, or convert it to a practical camper. Or simply enjoy it as it is, as a piece of movie history. Whatever new life this van enjoys, it provides an interesting and rare talking piece for the new owner.
Notice to bidders
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