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A delightful Ford Thames 7-CWT Van with just three owners in 65 years!

EQUIPMENT
7-CWT specification, all-steel welded integral construction, large one-piece curved windscreen, twin chrome rear view mirrors, twin chrome vacuum operated windscreen wipers, opening quarter lights, chrome radiator grille and headlamp surround inserts, chrome windscreen surround, chrome front bumper, chrome rear quarter bumpers, twin rear lights and reflectors, rear number plate illumination light, driver’s sun visor, ashtray, speedometer, odometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge. Factory Options; Flashing indicators, passenger seat with sun visor, heater and demister. Accessories; Towbar with single electric socket, lowered suspension, oversize rear wheels, exterior windscreen sunshield, large picnic hamper.

EXTERIOR
A commercial vehicle from Ford still in existence almost 65 years after being built, this rare surviving Ford Thames Van is quite remarkable. Sourced from a fascinating private Ford collection, this example was displayed in the owner’s hallway of all places whilst also being put into use for shows whereby it easily transported a large picnic hamper and deck chairs! Professionally repainted in Durham Beige, the paintwork is uniform and has a fantastic shine. The bodywork in is superb condition, a far cry from the usual bodged up repairs seen on most examples. The chrome is in excellent order aside from some pitting to the door handle bases and even the original grille badge has remained mostly intact! Subtle reversible modifications give the van a brilliant stance so suited to this model. The ideal classic commercial and a dream promotional vehicle!

INTERIOR
Revert back to far a simpler era of motoring whereby manufacturers were even meaner to commercial vehicle drivers and the luxuries of a passenger seat and heater were factory cost options! The original buyer of this example was willing for a passenger to be carried and cared that they stayed warm! Remarkably, the original seats remain fitted and are in good order with some tiny splits to the lower bases. The utilitarian nature of the vehicle is quite evident with the ethos being around having just what you need and nothing else, however the equipment and gauges it does have are in fine working order. The huge painted steering wheel and wand type gear stick are simply delightful. The load area has a rubber floor mat to protect and side mounted spare tyre with original style jack and brace. The inner load area panels and inner wheel tubs are in excellent condition. Hugely reminiscent of a bygone era of vans and immense fun!

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The four-cylinder side-valve engine with mechanical fuel pump is the epitome of simplicity and produces 36bhp at 4,500rpm. Parts availability is easy with many specialist suppliers catering for classic Fords, this van is perfect for the home workshop tinkerer! The engine starts at the pull of the knob and runs beautifully. The three-speed gearbox with synchromesh on second and third is easy to use after initial familiarisation.

WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
Pressed-steel disc wheels are painted in matching Durham Beige with the original chromium hubcaps in very good condition. The tyres have plenty of tread with the front and rear measuring 165/70 R13 and 175 R13 respectively. A full suspension overhaul has just been carried out with evidencing invoices and the standard braking system incorporates 8in drums all-round requiring a firm stamp in comparison to modern equivalents!

HISTORY FILE
Registered new on the 11th July 1958, this example has had just three registered owners in 65 years! The first owner was a Mr Victor Gwyer who owned the van until 1983 and the two further keepers are traceable. The previous owner bought the van a number of years ago whereby it formed part of an impressive collection of mainly classic Fords including some very rare concours Escort Mk1 and Mk2 AVO cars. Vehicles in the collection are routinely scheduled for display in the main hallway and this Thames van was no exception! Guaranteed to draw in much admiration, this is the perfect and practical promotional vehicle for any business!

The history file includes previous V5 documents as well as invoices and MOT paperwork. There is even a Thames 5 and 7-CWT sales pamphlet as well as a February 1959 Schedule of Maximum Repair Charges which instructs the reader to destroy the previous issue immediately! A lucky survivor having avoided the fate of many, this classic commercial is simply marvellous and great fun!

MOT May 2024, Tax Exempt and HPI Clear.

Genre

Restored