﹒Genuine ex-London Fire Brigade ﹒Time-served as a Breathing Apparatus Control Vehicle ﹒Outstanding history and condition ﹒Full complement of period equipment included
The Background
When you think of the Fire Brigade, naturally the mind draws up images of big Dennis or Volvo trucks, laden with ladders and hoses. You might even think of those giant American fire engines that are articulated. If, and it’s a big if, you try and think of something smaller, you might land on some sort of van or maybe a 4x4. What you don’t think of, however, is a 7 cwt Commer Cob. However, back in the mid 1960s, this little Commer was just as vital as the lorry-derived vehicles with all the hoses and, you know, firemen.
Naturally, this Cob wasn’t in charge of extinguishing fires. However, it was an integral part of doing so. Driven by a Sub Officer and Fireman Driver, the Cob would be on scene for jobs where firefighters needed to use breathing apparatus. From it, officers would be able to make sure firefighters had air, and that none were exposed to the fire for too long. It was vital. It also served as a first aid unit, it carried extra equipment, and when not tending fires it would be used to attend floods, road collisions or other emergencies where support was needed. It might have been small in stature, but it was big in terms of how essential it was.
In 1965, Greater London Council ordered six Commer Cobs to be used BACVs (Breathing Apparatus Control Vehicles). DYC32C ended up, at least to start with, in Bromley. It remained with the Fire Brigade until 1977, when it was sold out of the service. While it did indeed start life in Bromley, it’s speculated that it would have served at a number of other stations as they years went on, probably due to the versatility it offered. Of the six ordered, DYC32C is believed to be the only one that survives today.
The Commer was, at one point, owned by a builder who cared little for the fire-based heritage and then used it as a van. However, it survived the cement dust and was sold again to someone who wanted to restore it. It was then, while rubbing the paint down, that the ‘London Fire Brigade’ livery was exposed, and as such, its history was discovered. That owner did a great deal of work to the van, including significant repairs to the front end, which had succumbed to rust. The rear, surprisingly, was in good condition. Sadly for him though, he had to sell the van on.
Happily, the van was then restored back to its former firefighting glory, including a full complement of period correct equipment. And of course, the red paint, the gold livery and the all important blue light made a return, too. Now, this little Commer Cob is in exceptional condition and stands as a fun and engaging reminder of a past chapter of the Fire Brigade.
The current owner is looking to thin out their collection, meaning you are now presented with the rare opportunity to own this slice of automotive and social history. And own it you should, because it is simply wonderful.
As you can see from the pictures, there is a wealth of documentation with this Commer. From original handbooks and operator manuals, through to all the marketing material for the Commer Cob back in the ‘60s, through to the various club magazines in which this little van has been featured.
There are also a large selection of invoices from the Cob’s past, detailing old MOTs, the purchase of new parts, and also the ongoing upkeep of the van. From small washers to larger service items to details work restoration works carried out - it’s all here. New shocks, new brakes, new coil, the list goes on. There is no current MOT certificate, as the vehicle is exempt. And given it’s outstanding condition, we anticipate it would fly through should you want to acquire a test.
There are copies of photos from the ‘60s when the Commer was in active service, there are hand-written notebooks showing when fuel was put in, what the mileage was, when fluids were changed and topped up. It’s a serious time capsule of documentation that we wish every classic car had. It’s a captivating collection, but it’s nothing compared to the little van itself.
As you would expect from a restored vehicle with a mere 44,000 miles on the clock, the interior is in wonderful condition throughout. The red vinyl seats and door cars look almost as good as new, the steering wheel has no wear, nor does the dash or, lower down, the heavy matting.
Sitting in this Commer is akin to travelling back in time. Slide behind the big steering wheel and you’re faced by a bank of clean, clear gauges. To the left, the centre console, you’ll find the original radio and of course, an additional official Brigade radio. The painted silver dash is free of any serious blemishes though does have some age related ‘crow’s feet’ cracking, and the centrally-mounted heater controls look as good as new. The same can be said of the dash top, too, which has no cracks nor has it faded.
The seats are in excellent order, with only a slight bit of wear to the piping on the outer edge of the driver’s. The rubber seals have all been renewed, so the doors all shut tight. The latches and strikers for the doors are in good order, and looking into the A-pillars reveals nothing but solid metal and clean, red paint.
Around the back, the one-piece rear door hinges on the driver’s side. There is no drop, nor any hindrance to its operation. Again, the seals are new, so it shuts tight. The hinges are all strong and solid, and neither the door opening nor the door itself have even the faintest hint of corrosion. As for the rear loadspace, there is some carpeting to protect the floor. Though the floor itself has been repainted and fitted with varnished batons. Further up, there are swathes of perfect red paint, red vinyl-trimmed side panels and a re-painted inner roof. No rust can be seen at all.
Further down, there is a small storage space for the spare wheel, and again, this is clean, dry and free of any obvious issues. It’s all very remarkable given this was once a service vehicle. It has clearly been looked after in the first instance, and then restored to a high standard.
Unusually, we need an extra section within this auction listing given the Commer comes with all manner of rare and period correct equipment. Which we shall list. Everything listed comes with the sale.
Period two-way radio fixed to dash (non-functional)
Wooden Breathing Apparatus tally board with name markers
Period London Fire Brigade map of London
Period first aid kit, fully stocked with original items
Wooden box containing radiation kit
London Fire Brigade Control Unit box with radio, headset and battery
Two yellow and black checked tabards
One red and white checked tabard
Tarpaulin cover for van
Winkworth silver bell
Functional rotating/flashing blue light for roof
Red and white flashing light (not tested)
Two period Fireman’s helmets (one with Commander livery)
Two Fireman’s peaked caps
Two axes on canvas belts
Two period uniform tunics with silver buttons
Two pairs of Firman’s black leggings
Two face masks in green canvas bags
Two jacks and wheel nut removers
One London Fire Brigade petrol can
One London Fire Brigade wooden box with rope and another face mask
Period correct and generally resplendent, this Commer Cob is something of a treat for the eyes. The red paint has been applied to a good standard across the van, with no obvious blemishes or issues to be seen. The London Fire Brigade livery has been expertly applied, and is correct in its gold hue. The same can be said of the shield emblems on each door, along with the ‘32UV’ coding on the front wings.
The wheels are painted off white, and all have near perfect ‘dog dish’ chrome hubcaps in place. The tyres are period correct, but modern, and as such are in good health with no cracking and loads of tread.
While it is indeed a commercial vehicle, there is still a splash of chrome at play. The bumpers, the wipers and the side window surrounds are all chromed, and apart from some slight pitting in some small areas, are all in wonderful condition. The pressed metal silver griller is also in excellent order, with all the vanes running straight. The emblem on the bonnet is also in excellent condition.
Finally, there are hidden bits. Open the bonnet and you’re presented with a clean bay free of dirt, let alone any corrosion. Just acres of red paint and clean surfaces. The inner wings, the firewall and the hinges are all excellent. Underneath the Cob is much the same. Plenty of rust proofing, lots of clean components and fresh gloss black paint. Nothing heavily corroded or neglected. It’s better than most modern cars under there, seriously!
The engine is interesting in this Cob, as the vehicle supplied to the LFB were fitted with 1,494cc units rather than the standard 1,390cc engine us punters were offered. This was due to the fact the van would alway be laden, and would of course be pushed hard in the event of an emergency. It’s no hot rod, with around 56bhp, but it was more than enough for the featherweight Cob. And as you can see in the pictures, it’s in good condition. It starts on the button, there are no leaks, it doesn’t run hot or rich and as such, the 44k miles seem true.
There is a four-speed manual transmission with synchro on all gears. The change is sharp and direct, and the clutch is reasonably light for an older vehicle, and engages as it should. The brakes, too, are in good order, are free from any obvious leaks and bring the Cob to a halt without drama.
The suspension, which is a floating leaf-sprung rear axle with independent front is all healthy, free from knocks and groans and doesn’t seem to be too soft or wayward. Though having looked through the paperwork, it seems the shocks have indeed been replaced at some point, which would explain the pleasing condition and overall ride.
This Commer Cob is appealing on a number of levels. There is the fact it is a genuine service vehicle. It’s not a pastiche of lights and stickers - it’s the real deal, time served, proper job. One of only six ordered in ‘65, and of those, the only one believed to have survived.
Then there is the condition. It is remarkable, from bumper to bumper this Cob presents so very well. It’s in truly astonishing condition, which when combined with that loadspace full of period kit makes for quite the spectacle.
It’s a rare, charming little van. A reminder of how things were, of brands that have since vanished and of the fact that fighting fires isn’t just about hoses and water. It’s a team effort that requires the perfect meshing of many moving parts. This Cob was one of them, it’s a part of social history, of automotive history and as such, it would be a joy and an honour to own it. You won’t ever find another because, well, there isn’t one.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the sellers discretion.
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1965 Commer Cob Van (ex-London Fire Brigade)
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