Description
TODAY we delve into the world of the classic commercial here at Martin Howey Classics (Est. 25 years). On offer is a mega rare 1958 Commer Cob Series 1. A beautiful looking van designed by The Rootes Group and - in my opinion - way prettier than the ubiquitous Morris Minor van of the same era! A sleek looking van with perfect proportions. However, pretty or not, the large majority of Cobs were "driven into the ground" by 1950s and 60s trades folk. Builders, bakers, butchers and so on. This is one of the first new style Cobs, replacing the earlier somewhat bulkier model with its sidevalve engine. This new look Cob used the Hillman Minx 1390cc ohv unit, thus making it a most capable performer.
Incredibly, this gem of a small commercial remained with her first owner for 49 years thus spanning six decades in the same home! With just four owners since then, this has clearly been a much loved vehicle. The mileage reading of 36, 000 may well be correct although I have no proof of that. The oldest piece of paperwork with the car is an invoice for its 1, 000 mile service! Excellent underneath and with a superb load bay area, this proud old girl also comes with the added bonus of the proper spec fold down rear seat, as featured in its sister car, the Hillman Husky estate. Just so delightfully period, she is in super order with ever such a sweet engine. There's a couple of small cosmetic bits here and there, but very minor. The only one you would probably tackle would be to the rear of the offside wing, just in front of the door (see photos). But I am being picky. This van is probably in far better order than any Cob would have been at three-years-old!
I had planned to use this very van as a promotional runaround for my classic car business. However, to be honest, I feel that she is actually too good to be used as an everyday workhorse and I would not want to subject her to this country's unpredictable weather! She would prove a great attraction on any classic car showground and is also probably the only one of its kind currently available.
This description is based on my opinion of the vehicle, the paperwork that comes with the car and anything I have been told about it. The vehicle is 65-years-old and this cannot be taken as a definitive statement for obvious reasons. As with most classic cars, there may be faults and quirks whilst, almost inevitably, some degree of tinkering and care will always be called for. Such are the joys of owning an antique vehicle and they must be taken within their own context and not compared to modern day cars. They are sold as old, mainly out-dated machines and come without any comeback whatsoever. They are my terms and conditions.
My classic cars are motoring antiques. This car, for example, is 65-years-old. It's not two, five or even ten-years-old as your own everyday car may be. It has been in service for more than half a century and so will have quirks and faults in there somewhere. However, faults on these old girls are not always apparent when buying and selling classics which is what I do. I do not restore them, nor do I pretend that they are concours cars. The majority of them go out as they came in, and I continue to enjoy finding more - a skill which is becoming increasingly difficult as many of you will be aware. They deserve to be taken on as "family pets" and cared for through thick and then. They don't make them any more and demand now out-strips supply. Please bear all this in mind, and enjoy your classic car. I can also assist with delivery and so please ask for a quote.
I have now been established as a one-man band classic car dealer for 25 years and pride myself on my buying prowess and - due to small margins - my prices which I firmly believe are up there among the very best in the UK classic car marketplace.
Thanks, Martin. the details below.
