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
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