Highlights

Professionally converted into a catering van
In good original mechanical form
Well presented with recent mechanical and aesthetic refurbishment
Later model, more desirable for regular use

The Appeal

If there's one thing the French automotive world has been particularly good at, it's making dependable, simple utilitarian vehicles for the masses. One look at the ever-popular Citroën 2CV tells you everything you need to know and supports that case.

So what would happen when the same engineers had a go at making a proper utilitarian van for all? Cue the HY Van. The HY Van was an absolute hit and a direct rival to the ever-popular Volkswagen T2. By reaching out directly to consumers to see what they really wanted in a van, Citroën was able to hit the nail on the head, creating a simple, dependable van for all, becoming the commercial vehicle of choice in France for several decades on.

Nowadays, HY vans have soared in popularity, with much of this down to the catering sector, with many having found the vans to be ideal to convert and run as food trucks, which is exactly what we find with this 1969 HY van. Converted by HY specialists Dragon Classics, this short wheelbase van has been fully kitted out for catering, ideal for someone looking to branch out or expand into the industry.

In great mechanical and aesthetic order, this is the ultimate kitchen on wheels you can depend on.

The History and Paperwork

First registered 24/09/1968
Originally a French HY, which left the factory in pickup form
Brought into the UK circa 2019
It was then converted from a pickup into a catering van by HY specialists Dragon Classics before being purchased by the previous owner
Accompanied by three sets of keys
Comes with a HY technical booklet
Exempt from road tax and MOT
UK registered with V5 registration document present
Also comes with a full vehicle cover
Buyer can have the web domain and established social media pages
Transportation can easily be arranged via the national supplier the vendor used (at cost to buyer)

The Condition

Graphics can easily be removed
Hand-painted in a black hue, which lends itself perfectly to the vintage look of the van
Complemented with a contrasting white roof panel
Originally a pickup body that has been professionally converted for catering with side and rear hatches
The original pickup lower side hatches are still present as well and are ideal for storage; the owner informs that these will comfortably house two 6kg gas bottles
Well presented with painted white bumpers and foot steps
Matching white steel wheels sit on all four corners and have been professionally repainted
LED rear lights and indicators
Simple design with large side and rear panels ideal for signwriting
Exterior metal work appears solid throughout
Built as a fully kitted-out catering van by specialists Dragon Classics
Simple utilitarian cabin in good form, finished in a simple black hue
Cab has been soundproofed
Nice, well-presented front passenger section with new carpet sets and headliner
Two well upholstered white front seats with contrasting black piping, which look to be in a like-new state
Brown leather wrapped three-spoke steering wheel to give the cabin that vintage feel
Simple white dashboard panels in great, clean shape
Vendor informs that at present, all switches in the cabin work, but the fuel gauge and speedometer do not
New engine cover
Rear of the vehicle has had both side and rear hatches fitted
Solid wood worktops throughout
Beautiful wood panelling on the sides
Fitted with a double sink with a heater and pump, alongside a glass double-fronted fridge
From an electronics perspective, we have interior and exterior lighting, numerous sockets (some with USB charging ports) and a 240v hook-up if you wish to connect to an external 13amp socket or generator
A new leisure battery has also been fitted

The Mechanics

Simple original HY van running gear. Certainly not built for speed, but entirely simple and dependable
Later HY van preferred for catering courtesy of several factory improvements to the running gear and cooling system plus 12v electrics as standard
Both the engine and gearbox were rebuilt by HY specialists Dragon Classics, along with a fluid change
Portable generator is supplied in the sale
The windscreen wiper motor needs replacing, a simple fix, we are told
The van is reported to fire into life comfortably and with ease, driving exactly as a HY should

As well as the engine rebuild, the following is understood to have been performed by Dragon Classics during the van’s refurbishment

New clutch
New radiator
New fuel pump
New exhaust
High-output alternator to charge the leisure battery
Electric power steering fitment
New brake hoses
LED rear light and indicator upgrade

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

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