Launched by the Rootes Group in 1960, the FC, (forward Control), van was initially given a 1500 cc engine, before later being upgraded to the 1725 cc unit in 1968. Selling against the BMC J2, J4 and the Bedford market, the Commer became popular, and a daily sight in the form of British Post Office vans, TV detector vans and other utility company vehicles. 

Where it did fall down was in the fleet van sector. With the engine mounted between the seats, the only way to remove it without stripping all the suspension off, was to remove the windscreen, then get a crane in to lift up the engine before getting it out via the passenger door. This method proved to be labour intensive, which obviously increased service costs and put off potential fleet owners. 

The vans were sold in a multitude of styles from a normal panel van, to a space van, ice cream vans and camper vans, which were a cheaper alternative to the VW Camper. With a production run of over 23 years, it is safe to say that the Commer van proved itself to be a reliable workhorse for the utility companies of Great Britain. 

The seller of this 1973 Commer van purchased it from the previous keeper who was a carpenter working in and around London. He had been using it for a number of years with the vision of restoring this British icon to its former glory. 

He had sourced a number of parts for the Commer, some are new and some second hand, which are reported to have cost around £2,000, and are included with the sale. It is clear to see that the bodywork on the Commer does need some attention, but mechanically it is reported to

run well, it just needs someone to take on the work of restoring this british workhorse. 

Unfortunately there is no paperwork present with the vehicle, other than the V5 which shows 5 previous keepers. The is a board with various awards from events the Commer has competed and displayed in over the years. 

The last MOT expired in 2018, but looking back through the MOT history it can be clearly seen that the Commer was in regular use as far back as 2006, where the online MOT history ends. 

Inside the Commer is typical for the age of the vehicle. The seats look to be the originals and have some wear as you would expect. There is some gaffa tape holding the driver's seat material on, and the front edge has worn away, but what is fitted are some beaded seat covers offering a little more comfort. 

In between the seats is the engine cover, and when lifted, it’s clear to see that the engine has had some recent parts fitted. There is some corrosion to the bottom of the front inner wheel arches where they meet the floor. 

The original steering wheel has been covered in a leather material giving extra comfort. The dashboard holds the necessary gauges, water temperature, fuel, ammeter and the odometer, which is showing a reading of 85,412 miles, and is in keeping with the MOT mileage history. 

In the rear of the van, the floor area looks to be in good order, with nice clean wheel arches and no signs of excessive corrosion. 

Externally the Commer is in need of some restoration. The main areas appear to be around the seams of the doors and roof, which can be seen in the gallery. The van has been well kept over the years and has avoided picking up any excessive dents to either the outside or being damaged from the inside. The badges are in place and in good condition, with just some age related tarnishing to be seen. The same can be said for the headlight surrounds and grille. The headlights and indicators are free from any splits or cracks. 

The windows look to be in a presentable condition, in keeping with the age of the vehicle, as are the window rubbers. Some have a slight amount of perishing, but nothing excessive. The front doors look to align as they should and open and close with a firm hand, as do the side and rear doors. The rear end is in good order with no cracks to the light lenses, and the quarter bumpers are in good order, with just some light age related tarnishing. This just leaves the doors which are also in nice condition with no excessive corrosion.

The wheels look to be the originals which have been painted silver along with the hubcaps. The tyres are all in good condition with a good number of miles left in them. 

The engine in the Commer Van is the later type 1725 cc, which was installed as standard from 1968. This looks to have had some recent parts which include a thermostat housing and possibly an alternator, as this doesn’t look too old. 

The van fires up straight away with no untoward noises to be heard. The seller reports that the van is really nice to drive, and it changes gear well and as you would expect it to through the four-speed gearbox. Looking under the van, everything looks dry from the engine through to the gearbox and differential, with no signs of any leaks. 

A classic van used by many utility companies through the 60s and 70s. Yes, it is in need of some cosmetic attention, but on the mechanical side the Commer van is reported to drive very nicely and has been well maintained. 

These vans are becoming increasingly difficult to find, and this one doesn’t appear to have had a hard life. A nice usable restoration project to get stuck into, with some new and used parts included. Will you be the one to bring back this Classic British workhorse of a van?