Description

Ford Thames 300E Van – Bare Metal Restoration/Stunning

The Ford Thames 300E is a car derived van that was produced by Ford UK from 1954 to 1961. The Thames name was given to all available sizes of commercial vehicle produced by Ford during this period and they were a common sight on British roads – our local baker in South London ran one for years – but today examples are extremely rare and, like all old Fords, highly prized.

Milestone Classics are delighted to market this highly original van that has had just four owners from new. The original owner converted the van to an Estate when he purchased the 300E in 1960 – a common upgrade to avoid Purchase Tax. His son was the next custodian and, after an extended period in storage, the van passed to his son-in-law who commenced a full, in depth, two yea photographic restoration.

He reinstated the original (solid panel) van sides, gave up trying to find metal front wings to replace the corroded examples on the van (finally went with club fibre-glass replacements) and used period correct blue inside and out while retaining the original red/grey interior seats – the whole affect is like steeping back in time!

Finally, the decision was made to livery the van for the family business (Wallaker Builders) using traditional sign-writer technique and she was then used and enjoyed for a number of years at local classic car shows. The last owner has cosseted the car in a heated garage and used for local runs including the Goodwood revival.

Today the 300E has covered just 56,000 miles from new and on the road she drives well with original side valve engine, 3 speed gearbox and vacuum windscreen wipers….not the fastest but lots of fun.

The new owner can use and enjoy as is or livery the van for his/her own business or even customise – a pinto engine would certainly improve performance!

Ready to start a new chapter this happy little van will give years of pleasure to the lucky new owners..