Description
• Rare and interesting vehicle.
• Wooden coachwork and interior structure in striking condition, presumed original.
• A real source of curiosity and interest from passers-by!
• Huge load area in the back.
The Fordson E83W is a 10 cwt (half-ton) light commercial vehicle that was built by Ford of Britain, at the Dagenham plant (home of Fordson tractors) between 1938 and 1957. (The vehicle was also sold from 1952, under the Thames brand, as the Thames E83W.)
The van was sold in Australia as the Ford Ten-Ten, and the E83W was available in various forms around much of the world as Britain strove to export atter WWil. In some countries, the 'cowl and chassis' was only imported and local bodies built.
The E83W was aimed at the small haulage, trade and merchant market sectors in which it sold well. An estate-car variant was also available. During and after WWIl, many specialist variations such as mobile canteens, ice-cream vans and even fire pumps were built on the E83W chassis. four wheels are in good condition and the tyres, I believe are original - have lots of tread. The tread pattern is an 'off-road' type which seems to substantiate the idea that the vehicle was largely used for management and leisure duties on a country estate in its early life. There is a spare wheel, with a sound tyre, secured underneath the rear and reached via a dedicated door below the rear door.
The amazing interior woodwork, which was clearly put together by skilled craftsmen. In particular, the interior wooden roof structure is magnificent. The load area is huge by comparison with even the biggest modern estate cars, and as such would suit some sort of commercial use by a business looking for a 'statement' vehicle!
