Lot Ended
Description
Thought to have originally been a Civil Defence Vehicle, hence the low
mileage of less than 10,000 showing; petrol powered, runs and
drives
Commercial vehicles are often at their most appealing
when they retain the character and patina earned through a lifetime of honest
work, and this 1955 Ford Thames ET6 has that in
abundance.
Believed to have begun life as a Civil Defence
vehicle, where it is thought to have been retained as a standby control unit for
use in the event of a national emergency, it is understood to have covered
remarkably few miles in its early years.
Supporting this belief is a
feature in Classic & Vintage Commercials
magazine (July 2014), featuring a letter from the then owner, who had owned
the vehicle since 1985 and stated that it had travelled fewer than 10,000 miles
during his ownership.
Today the Thames carries the
attractive signwriting of James Bate & Sons, Wholesale
Fruit & Vegetable Merchants of Warrington, with the
company name also appearing in the accompanying original blue logbook, adding
another fascinating chapter to the vehicle's history. Whether this livery
reflects its working life or a later restoration is part of the charm of this
wonderfully evocative classic.
Mechanically, the Ford is
reported to run and drive and was driven around our premises for photography,
during which it maintained healthy oil pressure. Cosmetically, the years have
inevitably taken their toll, with weathered paintwork and surface corrosion
clearly evident, particularly to the cab roof. Rather than detracting, this
gives the vehicle an honest, well-earned patina that many enthusiasts strive to
preserve.
Increasingly sought after for preservation,
historic commercial rallies, promotional work or sympathetic restoration, early
Ford Thames lorries are becoming a rare sight. This ET6 offers a wonderful
opportunity to acquire an authentic piece of Britain's commercial vehicle
heritage, complete with period documentation, fascinating history and bags of
character.
Contact - toby.service@brightwells.com