Description
This Commer van is the original vehicle supplied by Dream Cars for the film The Lady in the Van, starring the late Dame Maggie Smith. She famously described the production as one of the most challenging of her career, largely because much of the filming took place within the van’s extremely confined interior. Reflecting on the experience, Smith remarked that “the van wasn’t the most comfortable place,” and joked:
“Not a lot of method [acting] was required when you were dressed as I was, and in a van.”
A total of four vans were used during filming—two Bedford CAs and two Commers—but this is the principal van that appeared on Alan Bennett’s driveway throughout the film. It is the van in which Miss Shepherd ultimately passes away, making it the most recognisable and significant vehicle associated with the production.
Beyond its role on screen, the van has enjoyed an eventful public life. It was used by Miriam Margolyes during her publicity tour for a stage production in Australia and appeared on the red carpet at the London Film Festival premiere of The Lady in the Van in 2015. It also featured in Tesco’s 100th-anniversary television advertisement, further cementing its iconic status.
What makes this van truly unique in British film history is that it was hand-painted by Dame Maggie Smith herself. Using a mop brush, yellow paint, and even crumbs of Madeira cake, she helped create the van’s distinctive and wonderfully eccentric appearance, making it an extraordinary piece of cinematic memorabilia.
The van retains its original film plates, with the real registration SAP 86G, and comes with the original log book showing ownership by Dream Cars, who are credited in the film. The vehicle was running when it was driven into storage approximately six years ago but has not been started since and will now require recommissioning. As such, it will need to be trailered away.
