Race Retro Classic & Competition Car Sale 2020 21st - 23rd February 2020

Classic Cars - Saturday 22nd February 2020 www.silverstoneauctions.com 161 + buyer’s premium of 15% including VAT @ 20% 1965 Ford Thames Van (400E) LOT 467 More Images Lot 467 Bid On Lot 467 Registration: FPK 44C Chassis Number: BC51EM13665 Engine Number: 400EB620384 Estimate: £15,000 - £20,000 • Late production 15cwt Thames fitted with the Zephyr 4 engine and 4-speed box • Lovingly restored by an ex-Ford employee and described as running and driving very well with very little use since • Delightfully finished in classic Lotus Cars colours from the sixties • Purchased by our vendor to be a period-correct tow truck for his 1960 Lotus 19 Monte Carlo • Pure nostalgia but nevertheless an excellent support vehicle for historic motorsport This delightful example of small-commercial restoration depicts one of the medium-capacity Thames vans deployed by the emergent Lotus company to carry car kits, engines, gearbox, axles etc during the 1960s. Lotus had used two types of Thames van, one powered by the Ford Zephyr 4 engine intended to deliver Lotus Elan and Elite kits to customers by towed-trailer while the alternative, for racing team use, was equipped with a 2.5 litre Ford Zephyr 6-cylinder engine necessary to tow at sustained high-speed on European motorways, and to punch the vehicle and its load “over the Alps”. This handsome little Ford Thames Light Van (400E) was purchased and restored by a former Ford employee and it is clear to see that this ground-up restoration became something of a labour of love. Our vendor, at the time, owned the Lotus 19 Monte Carlo Chassis ‘953’ you will see on offer on Friday the 22nd in the competition car sale. The opportunity arose to purchase this lovely British Racing Green van and once acquired, he immediately added period signwriting (Lotus Cars Cheshunt, Hertfordshire) in Lotus Yellow with the intention of using the van as a period- correct, tow vehicle for his Sixties racing car. Our vendor informs us that the opportunity to roll-up at an event with the full period rig didn’t present itself and the little van has only really been used at a few shows and events. With light use only, this is a great opportunity to purchase a lovingly restored, Lotus-signwritten, 1960’s Van that would certainly evoke many memories and spark conversation at any classic motor show you wish to attend.