Beschreibung
Hi, we are Paul Higgs Cars based in New Milton in Hampshire.
We specialise in Classic Minis and also have a broad knowledge and experience of British Classic cars. We always have a selection of Classics available and we pride ourselves on offering a friendly service with objective advice. We also offer full garage services ranging from a service to a full restoration. Our full details can be found on our website and we are always happy to discuss your requirements.
We are very pleased to offer and are completely besotted with this absolutely unique 1940 Austin 8 Van. This is a unique opportunity to own a real piece of British motoring heritage, not only is it the only one left on the road in the world it also has provenance dating back 79 years and its the first time this unrestored Van has ever been available on the market.
Registered in April 1940 and sold through Dawsons of Lymington in Hampshire this Austin 8 spent its first ten years as a butchers van in the New Forest and was then sold to Wheatsheaf garage of New Milton in 1950 where it was painted in its current colours of Stone and Garnett and given its Wheatsheaf garage livery. The garage is sadly no more but the Pub is still there next door. It was used by them as a parts delivery vehicle up until 1964 and then dry stored until 1990 where it was recomissioned and put back on the road, since then it has lived a charmed life attending many shows and rallies and it still remains unrestored to this day with its original Bournemouth registration number, in fact its never left Hampshire. Its correctly registered with its AV build plate and accompanied with previous MOT certs, tax discs, buff log book and a Magazine feature. It has a current V5 stating 1 previous owner.
On the road I can only describe this gem as exhilarating to drive, the 900cc side valve engine starts instantly and holds good oil pressure and all the gauges work well. The gearbox is precise and the steering is entertaining and fun. It easily cruises at 50 and the it delivers a fantastic driving experience not to mention the amazing levels of attention it receives. This van oozes genuine Patina the sort that so many try and copy and it just stops people in there tracks. It does feel as if it could keep going and going out on the road which is a real plus for this van is that its on the road, fully serviced, checked and ready to go.
As mentioned it has not had any paint for 69 years and this is in my opinion makes this Van even more unique, Its unrestored and has 79 years of battle scars, dents and scratches and this needs to be preserved after all, they are only original once and in a market full of restored machinery its fantastic to find a vehicle like this one.
Step inside through the suicide doors and the time warp continues, It has its original seats, steering wheel and gauges. The rear doors open up with plenty of room in the back and its boarded on the load bed. The cranking handle is still there and the spare wheel sits under the load bed.
It has a solid body that is all original and has had repairs in the past but it has been lovingly owned and maintained and we have just worked through this Austin front to back so its ready for the road.
This Austin 8 will be a guaranteed crowd pleaser at any Classic or Vintage show and is looking for a keeper to appreciate it and love it as much as i do and the best thing about it is that t can be driven to all these events with ease.
Viewings are welcome and I am happy to answer any questions you may have either through here or on the details below or the details below (Paul)
A delivery service is also available.
We also offer competitive rates of Finance after teaming up with Pegasus allowing you to spread the cost of your Classic. Full details are on our website and its very easy to apply.
We are constantly preparing Classic Cars for sale so please get in touch with your requirements as we are always happy to help.
Thanks for looking.
