Classic vans at Footman James Classic Motor Show
There’s a strong commercial vehicle theme at this year’s Footman James Classic Motor Show, with plenty of formerly hard-working classics getting pride of place on the club stands that will take residence to Birmingham’s NEC from 12-14 November.
Once the backbone of small businesses across the UK, Minivans are a rare sight today and the Birmingham Mini Owners’ Club is fielding one of these often hard-worked examples.
Commer Van Fan is putting on a display of the once commonly-seen Commer van, including a fully restored TV detector van that once prowled the street looking for licence evaders. It’s joined by three camper versions, including one running a Holbay engine for added poke!
Meanwhile DKW Club Ireland is serving up a real treat – a very rare Schellaster combi van that was sold during the 1950s.
During the late 1950s, before the Minivan hit the streets, many UK businesses relied on Ford 300Es and Morris Minor vans and pick-ups to get the job done. The Ford 100E Club is showing a modified 300E that no longer runs a 1.1-litre sidevalve, but instead now has a Ford V6 sittng under its bonnet.
The Minor LCV Club has a selection of models on display, including a GPO van, a brewery pick-up and a rare Austin-badged van. Staying with Morris there’s a modified Marina pick-up on the Morris Marina Owners’ Club stand.
Morris commercials have a strong presence at this year’s Footman James Classic Motor Show, and the 6/80 and MO Club is marking the 60th anniversary of the Cowley commercial version’s launch by showing a pick-up model.
There’s also a selection of ‘VW splitties’, courtesy of the Split Screen Van Club , but if you’re after something small, the Isetta Owners’ Club might have just the thing – a van version of the Trojan bubblecar!
The Classic Motor Show is open from 10am until 7pm on Friday, 9.30am until 7pm on Saturday, and 9.30am until 5.30pm on Sunday. Ticket prices range from £17.50 when purchased in advance. For more information on the Classic Motor Show, visit necclassicmotorshow.com. For information on Footman James, visit footmanjames.co.uk.
