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1968 Ford Thames Trader
Highlights
- Offered by the son of the original owner
- Coachbuilt bodywork by Garner Motors Ltd, Sunbury-On-Thames
- Offered in running condition
- Ideal candidate for a camper/mobile home conversion or racecar transporter
The Appeal
We love a dusty “barn find”, especially when they come with great provenance.
In dry storage since the late ‘90s, this 1968 Ford Thames Trader was acquired brand new by the vendor’s father to serve their family removals business. The Thames chassis features a large and versatile coachbuilt body by Garner Motors Ltd which we think would make it a superb camper or perhaps even a period racecar transporter - perfect for the thriving historic racing scene.
Even after thirty years dormant, a new battery and fresh diesel coaxed that 4-litre 4cyl back into life with minimal effort, and now that the starter motor has been recommissioned, we’re informed that it starts and runs well. The brakes are partially seized, but the clutch is free, so it likely wouldn’t take much to get this old Thames driving again.
The History and Paperwork
- Bought new by the vendor’s father in 1968
- Used in the family removals business until the late ‘90s when it entered storage
- Tachograph fitted and showing 69,467
- The vendor recalls that the Tachograph wasn’t fitted from new, so the true mileage is unknown
- Collection of (very) old MOT certificates
The Condition
- Garner Motors Ltd bodywork built for the vendor’s family removals business
- Aluminium bodywork and wooden floors
- Retains its original sign-written livery
- The vehicle has been left in ‘as uncovered’ condition - dust, cobwebs and all
- The paintwork is of course heavily patinated
- Very straight bodywork with minimal signs of corrosion
- The steel chassis shows signs of corrosion so will require restoration
- All looks to be remarkably original and well-preserved inside the cab
- The load bay presents well, as does the shutter door at the rear
The Mechanics
- 4-litre 530E 4cyl diesel
- Four-speed manual gearbox
- Recent new battery
- Reconditioned starter motor
- Offered in running order
- We’re informed that the clutch is free
- The brakes are reportedly partially seized
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]
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