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
- In current ownership since 2015
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
- In current ownership since
- 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
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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
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