Description
1961 AUSTIN A55 I/ 2 TON VAN
This van was first registered to Chesterfield borough council weights and measures department who kept it for ten ears. the van was then purchased by a Mr …................. who used it as a private vehicle and he kept it till 1994 until he passed away. it was then sold to me by his two sons outside H & H auctions of Buxton having failed to sell. after a deal was done I was then told that their father had amassed a van full of used and new spares over the years and a deal was done to buy them as it would help in the planned restoration. the van was driven to manchester and was restored by Raynor's autocraft who spent 150 hours in labour.
the restoration consisted of the following work:-
remove both front wings and replace with new ones supplied, replace front panel with a new one , fit two new sills and do any necessary repairs to facilitate a bottom half respray in the original b. m. c fern green in two pack which would match the original door shuts and engine bay etc.
the chesterfield council colour was a slightly different green with a black gloss top. the top half and roof is still black and is original. I then sourced chrome for the front including a grill, flying “a”,
a bumper , headlight bezels, two “lucas' spotlights, I then fitted a radio and changed the polarity to the more modern negitave earth, bought and fitted the roof light, new carpets, new door seals, had the seat recovered.
The dashboard was converted by the first owner to incorporate a rev counter, oil pressure gauge and a ammeter. since converting to negative earth the ammeter and rev counter has been disconnected ( needs converting )
The van comes with original engine and mechanics always garaged by me and only used in the summer. My mechanic reckons it's the best 1500 b series engine he's ever heard.
Column change gearbox is precise in operation.
Last year I had a core plug pop out and I then took the opportunity to overhaul the complete cooling system to include removal of the head which was sent to be overhauled by a local engineer, a new radiator, new core plug and anything else required.
Last year a new set of radial tyres were fitted.
New non standard servo fitted.
Locking petrol cap
Period reversing lights
A new engine mounting, and a new gearbox mounting also fitted.
Tow bar fitted including basic electrics.
The underneath has been stripped of undersealed and then painted with “Bonderprimer” and then painted Black.
The van has a stainless steel exhaust guaranteed for life.
The mileage is 65k
Very cheap to run as road tax and m. o. t. not required and insurance about £80 with an agreed value and no mileage restriction.
This van is in exceptional condition for the year but is not concourse as it is 58 years old.
You are welcome to view I'm in Preston.
It also comes fitted with a period correct “Desmo” roof rack.
Private sale, these vans are becoming rare in original condition.
I have 25 years of history including old buff log book, mauals, workshop manual,
Even though the van doesn't need a MOT I had it tested about 2 months ago and the van hasn't done any miles since.
