Genuine ex-London Fire Brigade van in collector-quality condition
One of six acquired by LFB in 1965
Carefully restored to exact Breathing Apparatus Control Vehicle spec
Evocative and extensive range of period equipment included
Very rare opportunity for commercial vehicle collectors
The Appeal
Call 999 or shout 'Fire' in 1965 and you might have been mildly, if not considerably alarmed, to see this diminutive yet appropriately hued Commer Cob trundling around the corner. Yet if you did have a fire and you did need the London Fire Brigade, then you definitely needed this tiny van on the scene.
The six Cob vans ordered by The LFB in 1965 were intrinsic to the job of fighting blazes because they provided breathing apparatus and other general support to the firefighters and tenders. This one initially worked out of Bromley, although it likely worked elsewhere in London, too, before it was retired in 1977. It is believed to be the only one of the six remaining.
After an illustrious life as a builder's van, it was sympathetically restored by an enthusiast a few years ago. That work was carried out with painstaking attention to detail and included collecting an array of period-correct accessories which come with the vehicle.
Designed to stand out when new and certainly distinctive now, this ultra rare emergency services vehicle would enhance any collection. Certainly not one to miss.
Little used since completion as part of various collections
Includes a large collection of period-correct clothing and accessories as shown
Various magazines, brochures and workshop manuals
Contemporary paperwork and wall signage
Handwritten notes of usage and mileage by a previous keeper
Invoices for work from various periods in van's life
MOT exempt by age
Last MOT expired in April 2019 with no advisories
Little used since last MOT test and dry stored in collections
Equipment includes:
Period two-way radio fixed to dash (non-functional)
Wooden Breathing Apparatus tally board with name markers
Period London Fire Brigade map of London
Period first aid kit, fully stocked with original items
Wooden box containing radiation kit
London Fire Brigade Control Unit box with radio, headset and battery
Two yellow and black checked tabards
One red and white checked tabard
Tarpaulin cover for van
Winkworth silver bell
Functional rotating/flashing blue light for roof
Red and white flashing light (not tested)
Two period Fireman’s helmets (one with Commander livery)
Two Fireman’s peaked caps
Two axes on canvas belts
Two period uniform tunics with silver buttons
Two pairs of Firman’s black leggings
Two face masks in green canvas bags
Two jacks and wheel nut removers
One London Fire Brigade petrol can
One London Fire Brigade wooden box with rope and another face mask
One pair of period Firefighter’s boots
In 1965, Greater London Council ordered six Commer Cobs to be used BACVs (Breathing Apparatus Control Vehicles). DYC32C ended up, at least to start with, in Bromley. It remained with the Fire Brigade until 1977, when it was sold out of the service. While it did indeed start life in Bromley, it’s speculated that it would have served at a number of other stations as they years went on, probably due to the versatility it offered. Of the six ordered, DYC32C is believed to be the only one that survives today.
Driven by a Sub Officer and Fireman Driver, the Cob would be on scene for jobs where firefighters needed to use breathing apparatus. From it, officers would be able to make sure firefighters had air, and that none were exposed to the fire for too long. It was vital. It also served as a first aid unit, it carried extra equipment, and when not tending fires it would be used to attend floods, road collisions or other emergencies where support was needed. It might have been small in stature, but it was big in terms of how essential it was.
The Commer was, at one point, owned by a builder who cared little for the fire-based heritage and then used it as a van. However, it survived the cement dust and was sold again to someone who wanted to restore it. It was then, while rubbing the paint down, that the ‘London Fire Brigade’ livery was exposed, and as such, its history was discovered. That owner did a great deal of work to the van, including significant repairs to the front end, which had succumbed to rust. The rear, surprisingly, was in good condition. Sadly for him though, he had to sell the van on.
Happily, the van was then restored back to its former firefighting glory, including a full complement of period-correct equipment. And, of course, the red paint, the gold livery and the all-important blue light made a return, too. Now, this little Commer Cob is in exceptional condition and stands as a fun and engaging reminder of a past chapter of the Fire Brigade.
There are also a large selection of invoices from the Cob’s past, detailing old MOTs, the purchase of new parts, and also the ongoing upkeep of the van. From small washers to larger service items to details work restoration works carried out - it’s all here. New shocks, new brakes, new coil, the list goes on. There is no current MOT certificate, as the vehicle is exempt. And given its outstanding condition, we anticipate it would fly through should you want to acquire a test.
There are copies of photos from the ‘60s when the Commer was in active service, there are hand-written notebooks showing when fuel was put in, what the mileage was, when fluids were changed and topped up. It’s a serious time capsule of documentation that we wish every classic car had. It’s a captivating collection, but it’s nothing compared to the little van itself. DSC01103.jpg439.58 KB
The Condition
Restored in period-correct and highly detailed LFB livery
Older restoration so some minor signs of age and use to be expected
Red vinyl seats and door cards in good condition
Steering wheel displays little wear, likewise dashboard and heavy matting
Dials and gauges present well being clean and clear
Original radio and official Brigade radio
Silver painted dash free of major blemishes but with some light cracking
Centrally mounted heater controls and other switchgear in good order
Dash top appears free from cracks and fade
Seats present well with light wear to piping and outer edge of bolster on driver's side
New rubber seals so doors shut tightly
Latches and strikes on doors in good order
A pillars appear solid and present clean red paintwork
One-piece door hinges on driver's side with no drop or hindrance to operation and tight seals
Strong hinges to doors and no evident corrosion to door or aperture
Rear loadspace is partly carpeted to protect floor
Floor has been repainted and fitted with varnished batons
Well kept load area with good paintwork, vinyl trims and roof and no obvious corrosion
Small storage area for spare wheel which presents well with no obvious corrosion
Red paintwork is well-kept and finished to a high standard with no obvious blemishes
Livery has been carefully applied and is correct in gold as are the shield emblems and '32UV' codes on front wings
Off white painted wheels with 'dog fish' chrome hub caps in good order
Period correct tyres in good condition with plenty of tread
Light chromework to bumpers, wipers and side window trims, in good order with light pitting
Pressed metal silver grille well kept with vanes running straight
Emblem on bonnet is well kept
Clean engine bay that appears free of corrosion
Inner wings, firewall and hinges are all in good order
Underside presents well with evidence of rustproofing and clean components finished in gloss black
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