1971 Commer TS3 Motorhome
Highlights
- Older motorhome restoration by specialist K&R Walsh Brothers
- Very rare NHS Blood Bank bus with a Lex Tillotson specialist body
- Features the famous bulletproof TS3 "knocker" engine that runs well
- Recent service, cooling system overhaul and gearbox oil change
- Only 56,000 miles from new
The Appeal
If you’ve been sitting wonder how to fill your winter evenings, wonder no more. Here is one of the more interesting projects we’ve seen in a while - a chance to bring a big classic motorhome back to glory,
You’ll be working from a sound base because, mechanically, this 1973 Commer TS3 is spot on. That bulletproof ‘knocker’ diesel engine is in fine health, helped along by a recent service, coolant system overhaul and gearbox oil change. There is even a power steering system fitted - it just needs a hose connected to complete.
Its history is interesting too. It is one of a handful of NHS Blood Bank busses that were specially bodied by Lex Tillotson. It later spent life as a horse box before being rejuvenated by renowned commercial vehicle specialists K&R Walsh Brothers. That work is now looking a little tired, but it could be easily revived.
The displayed mileage of under 57,000 miles is reported to be genuine. The vendor reports that they recently drove it 70 miles without issue. So you could simply enjoy it as it is, or treat it as a rolling restoration.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 1st July 1971 according to DVLA
- HPI records first registration as 26th March 1973
- Six registered keepers
- Originally built as a blood transfusion service unit for the NHS
- Converted to a horse transporter before being restored as a motorhome
- Restored by K&R Walsh Bros of Manchester
- Registered as a motorhome on the logbook
- MOT and TAX exempt due to its classic status according to seller
- Factory handbook
- V5C in current keeper’s name
- Recent engine oil change, gearbox oil change and cooling system overhaul
- Old photographs of vehicle through its life
- Photographs of restoration
The Condition
- Bodywork restored to original motorhome configuration
- Blue paintwork shows some aging as can be seen
- Bodywork is in fair condition with some deterioration
- Underside appears to be in fair condition with no reported issues
- Interior includes one double room and two single beds
- All lights and air brakes are functional according to seller
- Power steering fitted but requires belt installation to complete
- Presents well but could benefit from interior decor updates
The Mechanics
- Two stroke 3,052cc opposed piston diesel engine
- Six-speed gearbox
- Recent oil change and complete cooling system overhaul
- Gearbox oil change completed
- Engine starts reliably with half a turn of the key according to seller
- Vendor describes that it is ‘ready to drive’
- They recently completed a 70 mile drive without issues
- We are told that the air brakes work correctly
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..
Vehicle specification
- Year 1973
- Make Commer
- Model Motorhome
- Colour Blue
- Odometer 56,686 Miles
- Engine size 3052
Listing Details
- Seller type Private
- Town Southport
- Location Merseyside
- Country United Kingdom
The Gallery
Popular questions about make an offer
If an auction vehicle doesn't sell, it may be converted into a “Make an offer” listing. This will retain all of the details of the auction listing but replace the bidding functionality with an offering system whereby potential buyers can make an offer on the vehicle.
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.
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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