Description
NOW SOLD! This extremely rare, unique and original 1958 Bedford CA SWB Aristocrat 12 Seater Station Wagon "SHOOTING-BRAKE", built by KENEX. Now 61 years old, this is believed to be the ONLY surviving ARISTOCRAT WOODY SPLIT SCREEN CA on the road, WORLDWIDE! We are yet to be proven otherwise! Feel free to enter BEDFORD CA ARISTOCRAT into Google and you will find only this actual vehicle covered in a magazine and photographed at various classic vehicle shows in recent years.
Kenex were later brought out by the more well known company called DORMOBILE from Folkestone, ENGLAND.
This charming vehicle was found in a barn in 2012 after being put there in the mid 1980's. The vehicle has been meticulously restored by its current owner with no expense spared and retains it's original 6 digit, 3 letters and 3 numbers, UK vehicle registration of VXR 409.
The 1508cc engine starts on the button and the vehicle drives perfectly, the clutch and 3 speed column change gearbox is without fault. The vehicle is MOT and TAX except in the UK, though it will pass an MOT without fault and can be supplied with a an MOT should the purchaser so require the vehicle to be presented for a test, I will arrange this and is included in the asking price.
The body restoration was completed to an extremely high standard along with the chassis which has been documented thoroughly with photographs and will be supplied with the vehicle in laminated format, enclosed in a ring binder. Having two sliding SWB doors to the front that operate effortlessly and barn doors to the rear, access to any part of the interior is easy. There are a number of sliding windows to the vehicle also. The bonnet has an opening service panel correct to the vehicle and a surrounding larger bonnet panel is easily removed via 4 turn clips for more in depth servicing and maintenance. There is also a large interior access engine cover operated by turn handle. All exterior chrome was re-chromed and is in immaculate condition. Wheel spats to the rear exterior as standard really set this classic van off, back in time and with the split screen shouts 1950's!
Being a very rare Aristocrat it has unique features to which the enthusiast will spot, however they are as follows; chrome Aristocrat bonnet crest, chrome Aristocrat script window badge, Aristocrat body plaque fitted to internal engine bay cover, Driver under seat storage lockable locker, N/ S/ F & Middle row seats slide and tilt arrangement and finally the exclusive wooden window frames, rear curved windows and wooden exterior trim are all unique to this rare Aristocrat vehicle.
For the observant enthusiast you will notice the front radiator panel is not of the early split screen design 1952-1958 which had a vertical metal spline in the middle of the panel to replicate the split screen. This is because the vehicle was found in the barn with this panel and grill fitted with no obvious suggestion that it had been fitted other than from new, due to its colour and original fittings, fixtures and bolts not showing signs of ever being replaced as per the documented photos when found in the barn that can be supplied. This has been the focus of much debate during its restoration. It is believed however as this vehicle was registered in 1958, the changeover year, that this panel was fitted, also we believed that a handful of late split screens may have a
been fitted with this panel, possibly by Bedford themselves using new stock or by Kenex, in the hope to achieve a more modern look for the time. However it could have been an upgrade by previous owner back in the 1960's/ 1970's to achieve the same result? This would be easy to change by the new owner as it is a bolt on panel, I may be able to help with sourcing an earlier split screen front radiator panel should the new owner require one at the purchasers cost.
The interior has its original Bedford chassis and makers plates, (V5 Document in hand), to the side of footwell and retains its original 12 seat layout with only the drivers seat and rear armrests to rear being recovered. The headlining was replaced to original specification during restoration, along with a complete new floor. Period green sun-visors are fitted for both passenger and driver. The interior is a very pleasant step back in time and extremely comfortable given its age.
The exterior has "teddy bear" indicators situated on both sides of the roof to the middle and are operated by switch located in the center of the dashboard gauge panel which is original and correct for the period. All other switches lights and electric components are fully functioning and the vehicle was fitted with a n. o. s wiring loom when restored.
The 5 tyres were brand new on completion of restoration, including the spare fitted underneath that has not been used.
This vehicle was Front Cover featured in Classic Van & Pickup Magazine March 2016 with the title reading "Bedford Aristocrat" "CA Designed For The Upper Classes"! A copy of this magazine also comes with the vehicle and also can be viewed on Google as mentioned at the start of this advert.
I have 145 detailed pictures of the vehicle and will provide these prior to viewing should a genuine buyer request them. Because of the amount of pictures I can only send them by Watts App via mobile phone!
Viewing strictly by appointment only and is located in LU7 Stanbridge Postcode, close to Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, ENGLAND.
I will assist with shipping or transportation to anywhere in the UK or World for that matter, arranged by the purchaser, subject to cleared funds in advance.
The vehicle is only for sale due to ill health of the owner and is offered for sale by myself on his behalf. For this reason serious and genuine enquiries only. Thank you.
NOW SOLD
