Highlights

Beautifully presented commercial rarity
Extensive older restoration over three years
Bare metal respray
Reconditioned engine with unleaded head
Refurbished steering, suspension, gearbox and new clutch
Less than 3,000 miles covered since completion
Won many awards when first completed

The Appeal

Ford’s Thames van sold by the bucketload between 1961 and 1967. It’s easy to understand why: 61 cubic foot payload, smart Transatlantic-infused styling and rugged, simple Ford mechanicals.

The 5CWT version features the firm’s 1L motor, which is the model we have here. It was restored some years ago and won numerous awards upon completion. It has only covered around 3,000 miles in the intervening years, which accounts for its lovely preserved condition.

With its red and white paint scheme, it is a very pretty van indeed. It previously featured British European Airways (BEA) graphics because an earlier keeper was an upholsterer for the airline. Inside is a well-preserved two-tone interior.

It runs equally well thanks to a comprehensive mechanical overhaul during the three-year restoration process. That work included reconditioning the engine, including fitting an unleaded head. The gearbox, suspension and steering were also overhauled, and a new clutch was installed.

We love a good classic commercial and this characterful van is one of the nicest we’ve seen in a while. It would make a great advertisement for a classic-themed business, or just enjoy an undeniable car show star.

History and Paperwork

First registered 1st July 1963
Six previous keepers recorded
Due to DVLA record keeping total keepers may be higher
Restored over three years in late Noughties
Previously blue which was changed in April 2009
Restoration covered bare metal respray and mechanical overhaul
Summary of this work detailed above and in description below
Second keeper was an upholsterer for British European Airways (BEA)
Car previously carried BEA decals
We understand this car won several awards when it was first restored
MOT records show few miles covered since restoration completed
Last MOT expired September 2018 with no advisories on test
59,668 miles on last MOT test and showing 60,130 miles in photos

The Condition

Extensively restored around 16 years ago and finished in red and white
Paintwork presents very well in photos
Due to age of vehicle and restoration buyers should be realistic about condition
Bodywork in good order with caveat on condition as above
Fitted with steel wheels with chrome embellishers
Lovely two-tone grey interior in very good condition as shown
Fitted with Anglia Super specification seats during restoration
Carpets replaced during restoration
Largely standard interior with auxiliary dial fitted to dashboard as shown
Grey carpeted rear load area

The Mechanics

997cc OHV 4cyl Ford engine
4spd manual gearbox
Fitted with Anglia Super uprated brakes
Very little use since extensive mechanical overhaul
Summary of work during restoration below

Renovation work during restoration in the late Noughties:

Reconditioned engine
Conversion to unleaded head
New gearbox
Replacement clutch
Steering overhauled
Suspension renewed

BEFORE YOU BUY

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