...I've just bought this.

[lotus72]

Just bought this....for two reasons; to help satisfy my classic car needs (I also have a 1983 Ford Escort estate, not QUITE classic) and also to help publicise my new classic car upholstery business. It's a 1960 kmodel which was restored around 10 years ago and it's been off the road ever since, the latest MOT I could find was 2008, with no advisories back then. It runs and drives (no smoke from the engine which is handy) but the gearbox has a little whine to it, but it shouldn't take much to take it apart and take a look.








I must admit, it looks good fun and there's probably not that many around, especially vehicles that haven't been rodded at all.
Oh, forgot to mention, click on the pix for larger images.

[sim16v]

Love it!

I like the thought of a classic van to tootle around in.

[daveenty]

I also love it, really cute little van.

Does it have the 1200ccOHV engine in it with the 4 speed box? Only asking as I believe the earlier ones were side valve with a 3 speed.

Massively wide wheels as well, at least for the period. 5 1/2"?

[WJNB]

Great fun. Take it to some classic shows & note how much more interest it attracts than the flash over-polished expensive stuff.

[lotus72]

it's a 1960 van, which I think is quite late, but it has the 1172cc engine, with only three forward gears, which will take some getting used to! I'm picking it up on Wednesday afternoon...pics to follow?

[paintman]

That does look like fun - and I suspect you'll be unable to park anywhere without 101 questions!

[Twig62]

lotus72 said:

it's a 1960 van, which I think is quite late, but it has the 1172cc engine, with only three forward gears, which will take some getting used to! I'm picking it up on Wednesday afternoon...pics to follow?

My experience of driving this engine/gearbox combination was that you were either revving the bks off it in 2nd or labouring it along in 3rd !

[FiF]

And the vacuum wipers! They are real fun.

[john2443]

Twig62 said:

My experience of driving this engine/gearbox combination was that you were either revving the bks off it in 2nd or labouring it along in 3rd !

IIRC it wasn't so much a 3 speed box as a 4 speed without 3rd, so a big gap between 2nd and 3rd.

[Dogwatch]

I remember being rather bemused in the late 60's/early 70's when an office colleague drove past in the estate version badged 'Ford Escort'. By then of course the Escort was a model in its own right.

[lotus72]

And she's arrived!

[lotus72]

[fttm]

Beauty , well done .

[freddytin]

Absolutely lovin' it......Hope the plate comes with it too

Great advert for any business, drawing in the crowds with a period piece of sign writing. Perfect .

[Mercky]

lotus72 said:

And she's arrived!

That is is cool. If it was mine I'd be wanting to put something like a 1600GT crossflow and 2000E box in it, but these units are like rocking horse st and cost a fortune nowadays. Whats the modern equivalent, a zetec engine and type 9 box?

[lotus72]

'Great advert for any business, drawing in the crowds with a period piece of sign writing. Perfect.'
Or should that be, Prefect?? Nope, you got it exactly right, I'll get it period liveried and then have a bit of fun in it.

'If it was mine I'd be wanting to put something like a 1600GT crossflow and 2000E box in it, but these units are like rocking horse st and cost a fortune nowadays. Whats the modern equivalent, a Zetec engine and type 9 box?'
Yes indeed, but tons of people have done that to these things and I was pleased to get one that is still completely original and hasn't been mucked about with, apart from the two Lotus Cortina rims (we think) on the rear. Now, if only I can find another couple to go on the front.....

[lowdrag]

1172cc side valve, three speed box - and those infernal vacuum wipers I suppose. You know, the ones that go like the clappers downhill and stop working uphill.

[uk66fastback]

Great looking little van, is a lovely colour. Got any pics of the inside? And will you keep this as is or redo yourself as a 'mobile advert'?

Will look great sign-written 'in period' ...

[john2443]

freddytin said:

Absolutely lovin' it......Hope the plate comes with it too

I suspect that's not a original reg - lots of FFs and FOs were issued as age related.....Flintshire??

[lotus72]

Interior shots.