Description
Austin C Type Van.
It’s a replica 1929 C type van. I bought the van just over 30 years ago as a box of bits and a new van body.
It is a short chassis Chummy style van employing the well known John Barlow kit which uses an ash frame, aluminium body and doors with a new steel floor pan plus chummy wings, windscreen and bonnet. There are only a handful of genuine vans but this is a fine replica.
I rebuilt it over 10 years .
I finally managed to get the original registration back from the DVLC. The vehicle is based on a 1933 short chassis saloon. The number is non transferable as the car had not been taxed or registered for 40 years. The original brown log book accompanies the V5.
It has a proper chummy coil engine with starter in the cab and a new gravity fed front petrol tank . Since I rebuilt the engine it has been running on modern multi grade oil.
I fitted a 4 speed gearbox for increased driveability. A three speed gearbox and prop shaft can be easily refitted if required for originality.
The van was properly sign written in the livery of my old hotel. (The hotel no longer exists ) Changing the livery would be relatively simple if required.
I fitted a Bosch distributor kit from a VW Beetle with an automatic advance mechanism which makes the car more driveable and gives easier starting and smoother running.
The engine starts and runs sweetly with good oil pressure and keeps up with modern traffic.
I coupled the front and rear brakes to make driving in traffic less stressful.
It is fitted with a Rist horn and correct vacuum wiper motor (needs new seals).
The van also sports a pair of lovely vintage chrome rear view mirrors. ( Duralex)
A period bulb horn is also fitted to the car.
The car was sprayed in Rover Arum white , so it’s easy to match.
The wheels were stove enamelled during the restoration.
I rewired the car using the period correct armoured cable.
The Speedo stopped working last week.
A couple of weeks of fettling would make it a concours contender.
There’s a large history file accompanying the van with bills, historic MoTs and photos.
The van is available at Mathewsons in their September Auction lot 550.
The price shown is the reserve. It’s a lovely replica van, having all the correct Chummy running gear. It has an unusual wooden advertising sign on top. It’s a great promotional vehicle for a business.
