1938 Fordson Model 81C 15CWT Panel Van
Highlights
- Rare example of a barrel-nosed 15cwt panel van
- 3,622cc V8 powerplant with 3-speed manual transmission
- Highly original condition
- Used by the Civil Defence Dept on the Isle of Wight as radio van between 1938 and 1953
- First Registered in 1979 according to the DVLA
The Appeal
Based upon their reputable 'BB' Chassis, Ford's UK Commercial arm brought out the barrel-nosed van for the 1938 model year only. The commercial side of Ford's European business was always substantially slower to develop than its passenger car business, thanks in no small part to the simple, utilitarian features of trucks and tractors aiding easy maintenance.
The Model 81C was the official designation for this single year of 15cwt trucks. They were handsome, they were capable, and of course, they carried the V8 powerplant that had proven so capable in the USA's hot rod scene. At first glance, it's a distinctly British design - those somewhat benign looks and curves do little to betray its industrial nature. But a load-loader it is - look at that high rear suspension!
These vans are exceptionally rare thanks to production ceasing on the outbreak of the war, and many of them ended up coming a-cropper during the conflict, or simply got run down to the scrapyard. As a result, this is an exceptionally rare commercial, and we expect will garner plenty of interest.
The Model 81C was the official designation for this single year of 15cwt trucks. They were handsome, they were capable, and of course, they carried the V8 powerplant that had proven so capable in the USA's hot rod scene. At first glance, it's a distinctly British design - those somewhat benign looks and curves do little to betray its industrial nature. But a load-loader it is - look at that high rear suspension!
These vans are exceptionally rare thanks to production ceasing on the outbreak of the war, and many of them ended up coming a-cropper during the conflict, or simply got run down to the scrapyard. As a result, this is an exceptionally rare commercial, and we expect will garner plenty of interest.
The History and Paperwork
- Chassis No. LVL0357-582-79
- Built in 1938 in Dagenham
- Used by the Civil Defence Dept on the Isle of Wight as radio van between 1938 and 1953
- Arrived on British soil 'proper' in 1979, according to the DVLA
- Subject to a restoration at some stage mid-life
- Previously part of a classic car collection
- Sold at Brooklands Museum, 7th March 2015
- Kept in dry storage
- Indicates 43,605 miles on a five-figure odometer
- Sadly we're not aware of any paperwork provided with the vehicle outside of the V5c and a previous auction listing
- MOT exempt and last tested in 2008
The Condition
- Impressive barrel-fronted aesthetic
- Bright red livery with black arches
- Some patina to the paintwork - largely swirling and scratching
- Chromework carries some texturing and patina, commensurate with age
- Wheels have lost a little colour on the branding but are otherwise very sharply presented
- Underside is in very good order for the vehicle's age, with no obvious corrosion
- Internally, the van is carrying some patina
- Wooden-boarded bay is in good overall order with some paint and varnish loss
- Headlining is clean and well-presented
- Seats have been recovered and are free of rips and tears
- Dashboard carries some patina and texturing, but all instruments are legible
- Some paint loss on the doors
- Carpets / floor mats are looking rather tired, including the glove box lining
The Mechanics
- 3,622cc V8 powerplant, engine No. R-631980P
- 3-speed manual transmission
- Engine bay looks in fine order
- We understand the van to be highly standard
- We've no reports of any mechanical issues
- We can is reportedly starting and running exactly as you'd expect
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 fee. 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]
Vehicle specification
- Year 1938
- Make Fordson
- Model Van
- Colour Red
- Odometer 43,605 Miles
- Engine size 3622
Listing Details
- Seller type Private
- Town Lower stondon
- Location Bedfordshire
- Country United Kingdom
The Gallery
Popular questions about make an offer
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To take the hassle out of the whole process and to prevent any unnecessary squabbling we'll automatically decline anything less than 70% of the asking price so only offers that are worth considering will be accepted.
Make an offer listings include a “Make an offer” button. Simply click on this and enter the amount you’d like to offer and the seller will either accept, decline or counter. Easy peasy.
If you don’t have a Car & Classic account with a registered bank card you’ll be prompted to set one up at this point.
If your offer is accepted, you’ll be charged a service fee. The amount depends on the cost of the vehicle and is an additional cost on top of the offer amount. Starting from as little as £/€300, it covers the cost of our various auction and escrow services, but rest assured, we're not in the woollen eyewear business and so the exact amount is always displayed upfront before you place your bid. You will only be charged if your offer is accepted.
The service fee is a charge in addition to any accepted offer amount that varies depending on the cost of the vehicle. Starting from as little as £/€300, the exact fee is clearly displayed upfront before any offer is placed so you always know exactly how much you'll be charged. It covers the cost of our various auction and escrow services and allows us to continue to provide a secure and professional platform from which to transact safely.
If you've ever squeezed a lemon then this'll be a doddle. Firstly you'll need to be logged in to your Car & Classic account and have added a valid payment card to your profile. Once these steps have been completed you can then make an offer by clicking on the "Make an offer" button on the listing page and entering your offer amount before clicking on the “Submit Offer” button underneath.
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