Highlights

Discovered walled up in a derelict London fruit shop in the early 1980s, where it had spent its working life
Comprehensive body-off, nut and bolt restoration
Hand-crafted timber bed restored at a cost the vendor states was in excess of £50,000
Only one former registered keeper from new

The Appeal

Classics often endear themselves to us for something more than a piece of machinery. There's a lot of story that can be held in a vehicle's years, and this one has a quintessentially British tale at its heart. Originally sold new in the optimistic years of post-war Britain, this handsome O-Series Bedford was fitted out for produce carrying in order to serve the popular English And Empire Fruiterers in East London.

As the world changed, so did the high street, and the Leytonstone Road shop closed down as supermarkets began to pop up. As a result, the proprietor packed it all up - oddly, including the truck. It was walled up as if it was never there, lock, stock and barrel. It was at least two decades before it was rediscovered inside the derelict premises.

The Bedford -series was the backbone of Britain's post-war commercial fleet; a rugged and dependable workhorse that helped rebuild the nation's supply chains during the late 1940s and 1950s. Surviving examples are uncommon enough; one with a provenance story as remarkable as this is something else entirely.

Since its discovery, the lorry has undergone a thorough body-off, nut-and-bolt restoration to original specifications. Whether destined for classic commercial rallies, promotional use, or pride of place in a commercials collection, this is a genuinely fascinating lorry with handsome signwriting, plenty of characterful British milieu and a particularly unique story.

History and Paperwork

First registered in 1948
One former registered keeper from new
Operated by English And Empire Fruiterers
This premises was on Leytonstone High Road in east London
Shop was abandoned and became derelict, with the van walled up on premises
Rediscovered in the 1980s and since restored
MOT exempt as a pre-1977 vehicle

The Condition

Body-off restoration carried out
Cab, chassis, bodywork and timber flatbed all restored to original specifications
Timber bed hand-crafted, with the vendor stating the restoration cost was in excess of £50,000
Handsome, traditional signwriting throughout
Everything is solid and well-presented

The Mechanics

3519cc 6-cylinder Bedford overhead valve petrol engine
4-speed manual transmission
Completely recommissioned
Electronic ignition fitted
Reported to be in good running order

BEFORE YOU BUY

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