The van: Functional in purpose; typically white, containing an uncultured slob of a driver. At least, that's the stereotypical view which many people have formed. There are thousands, if not millions, of vans on Britain's roads every day and for many people they are a nuisance, whereas for others they provide a living. Down the years, some vans have obtained a more treasured status, be it through their design, longevity or performance. Here's a top five:
Ford Model T
The Ford Model T was one of the earliest classic cars and included variants of van from about 1912 onwards. With over 15 million vehicles of all types being produced by the time production ceased in 1927, the Model T has been recognised as the most influential car ever produced. Commercial vehicles included pickup trucks and closed vans as the functional practicalities of road transportation were properly realised for the first time.
Morris Minor Van
Nowadays, the Morris Minor in all forms is considered a classic vehicle and the van is no different. Beginning as part of the Series II in 1953 and continuing with the Morris Minor 1000, the van was just one of many variants of the "Moggie". With a burgeoning enthusiasts market in the UK, the popularity of this classic vehicle is set to endure.
Bedford CA
The Bedford CA was in production from 1952 until 1969. In the years before the Ford Transit was launched the CA was perhaps the foremost light commercial vehicle available in Britain. Used by many corporations, including British Rail who maintained a fleet of their own delivery vehicles, the CA was very common indeed. In later years, many of the CA chassis were rebuilt to form mobile homes, ice cream vans and various other vehicles. Nowadays they are rare and can be hard to track down for classic vehicle enthusiasts.
Ford Transit
The Ford Transit, the self-proclaimed "backbone of Britain" has become ubiquitous since its introduction in 1965. With more than six million vehicles having been produced since then, and in a huge variety of designs, the original models are fondly remembered and sought after. Indeed, so widespread has the name become that for many "Transit" is used universally for any type of van!
Reliant Regal
Made famous by Only Fools and Horses, the Reliant Regal was first introduced in 1953. By the time it was enshrined in British popular culture by the Trotters, the Regal had actually been out of production for some years, having been replaced by the Reliant in 1973.
By John Ryman
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