autofantasia's photos with the keyword: classicvanphotos

Always had a soft spot for the Morris Minor, especially the commercial variants. So much so that I actually bought one back in the Eighties with a view to restoring it, but sadly it wasn't to be. Anyway, I came across this rather tasty looking one at a local car show a couple of years ago and thought it worthy of some extra attention in the processing room. Closed van and open flat-bed versions of the Minor were built from 1953 until the end of production. They were designed for commercial use with small businesses, although many were also used by larger corporations. Van versions were particularly popular with the General Post Office, and in fact that's what this one was described as when it was advertised for sale recently, an old Post Office van. Interestingly, BMC's policy back in the day was to provide both Austin and Morris with complete commercial vehicle ranges. These featured Austin badging and the Austin 'crinkle-cut' radiator grille but were otherwise identical to the standard Minor commercials, and were sold as the Austin 6cwt and Austin 8cwt which might explain why what the records say is an Austin 8cwt van now purports to be a Moggie. Whatever, be it a Moggie or an Austin, it certainly appealed to me.

Yet another lovely line-up at Newby Hall in 2013, this time of old Austin's starting with one from 1967 nearest the camera.

Bit of a messy background on this shot, but I thought this old 6 cwt box van was so cool looking that I just had to share it with you guys.

The Ford Thames 400E was made by Ford UK and introduced in 1957. Production continued until September 1965, by which time a total of 187,000 had been built. And very nice they are too!

I just love these old Austins ... I always think they look so comical, like they belong in a cartoon!

Another shot of that Mini van, this time slightly side on ... rather nice little thing!

Like I said there were a lot of them about, but only one van as far as I can remember!

The Ford Thames 400E was a commercial vehicle made by Ford of Britain and introduced in 1957. This particular one as you can see though is not your average van. Used by Storthes Hall Hospital Fire Brigade it was based at the psychiatric hospital in West Yorkshire and served as a fully functioning, but very small, fire engine. Once again, not quite what you exect to come across at a classic car show.

The now infamous and internationally recognised sign!

Reliant 3-wheelers enjoy something of a special place in British culture. Perhaps the most famous is the one that featured in the BBC's long-running sitcom about the Trotter family, Only Fools and Horses . The van is often and incorrectly, referred to as a Robin, but it is actually a Regal Supervan III. The Trotter's original is now on display in the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, but the popularity of the TV programme has led to a profusion of 'replicas' being built, such as the one you see here. Motoring masterpiece, cultural icon ... I'll let you decide!

Not an expert on these, in fact this is the first one I remember shooting. However, I think it must be something of a 'sleeper' as I don't think they would originally have had nearly 3 litres under the hood!

The Bedford CA was a distinctive pug-nosed light commercial vehicle produced between 1952 and 1969 by Vauxhall Motors subsidiary Bedford Vehicles, in Luton, United Kingdom. It was manufactured in short-wheelbase and long-wheelbase forms, each form available in either a 10–12 cwt or a 15 cwt version. Generally it was supplied as a light delivery van with sliding doors, but it was also available as a chassis with cowl upon which specialist bodywork could be added. www.bedford-ca.com