Ford Thames Van

Border Reivers are delighted to bring you something a bit different. This Lovely Ford Thames 300E from 1956. A rare survivor from a period when a commercial van was a work horse & driven till death. This car was London registered from new and was appointed the registration mark SLP 421. We know nothing of its original purpose some have suggested it was a police van when new which may account for its remarkable condition & why it’s a survivor.

We didn’t have any early history which doesn’t surprise us as a commercial Vehicle however as a result of publishing it on our social media a chap (KEV) recognised it as a van his parents used to own, they would show it at car shows through out the late 80’s up to 2002 when it was sold to Mr Bebbington. During my conversation with Kev he told me his parents had purchased the car from the family of Williams Garages Ltd (Otterbourne) after the passing of the owner. He believed they had it from the 60’s. Kev kindly sent me a picture of the owner in front of his shop in Otterbourne. He also said at the garage owners funeral his coffin was carried on the back of his recovery truck & the little van lead the procession. Kev is looking out more pictures for us.

Mr Bebbington of Thame OX9 3NB, he acquired the vehicle 28-03-2002.

Mr Goodfellow of Darlington DL1 2GL is the last name on the V5 Mr Goodfellow acquired the Vehicle on the 29-10-2009

We acquired the Vehicle from the trade in Southern Ireland & have sympathetically gone through the vehicle mechanically over the last 2 years & now presents perfectly mechanically.

We purchased the vehicle 2 years ago purely for promotional purposes as its very difficult to get a small commercial vehicle in great usable condition and in Black. However we really don’t have the time to show it or the space to keep it.

We have some recent invoices & an original sales brochure. it comes with its original spare wheel, jack & tool roll.