1942 Ford Thames E83W

Description

• BUY NOW FOR £6,000
• Please contact us if you’ve any questions or would like to arrange a viewing
• 10cwt van
• Nearly two decades of ownership
• Authenticated by the E83W Owners Club

March 1938 saw the introduction of Ford’s new lightweight commercial vehicle chassis, the E83W. From the 1940s to the late ‘60s no line of traffic would have been complete without an E83W; delivering coal, laundry, milk, or in summer, ice cream cornets. It was a huge commercial success and now good ones are very collectable.

Background

• First registered 10th February 1942
• It’s initial use was as an RAF minibus
• Has been with our vendor since 2005
• Rebuilt over the last 15 years

‘Fordson’ was Ford’s tractor range. When the E83W was launched t was sold under that brand.  During the war, the E83W was conscripted into multiple wartime roles; ambulances, fire tenders, mobile canteens amongst other things. After hostilities, the E83W models found all manner of civil uses.

Production ended in September 1957, and nearly 200,000 had rolled off the Dagenham line.

Engine 

• Four-cylinder side valve
• Cast alloy steel three bearing crankshaft
• Bore 63.5mm and stroke 92.5mm
• 1172cc
• Transmission, suspension & brakes
• Borg and Beck 7.5 inch diameter single-plate clutch
• Three speed synchromesh gearbox
• Enclosed torque tube/spiral bevel-driven rear axle
• Transverse leaf springs front and rear with shock absorbers
• Girling mechanical brakes
• 500×18 tyres on pressed steel wheels
• Dimensions
• Wheelbase 7ft 6in
• Track front 4ft 2.5in
• Rear 4ft 6in
• Length 13ft 1.5in
• Width 5ft 4in
• Weight 10cwt

Twelve-volt electrics with constant voltage control. Side-lamps are incorporated in the head-lamp casings, indicators were standard fitment. The right-mounted petrol tank holds about 7 gallons.

The van is of the semi-forward control type, this arrangement was facilitated by offsetting the engine and transmission to the nearside. The added benefit of that is a comfy and relatively roomy cab area.

Ford dispensed with convention, shying away from the typical box-like design of commercial vehicles of that time, instead using flowing lines and curves. The result was a delightful looking truck. Perhaps that is one of the many reasons they are so sought after today.

Our vendor bought this one in what he describes as a “dilapidated condition”. We can only imagine the work and man hours taken that have got it to look as it does today.

The principal use in the last few years has been for a cake business for his daughter. We understand the Ford complemented that business rather well too. Our vendor tells us “It drives and runs well”.

It will also come with a spare rolling chassis and a large number of spares.

Summary

A beautiful looking E38W in our opinion.

Well into the 1960s these were everywhere, now they are an exceedingly rare sight. Given the delightful styling and the memories they evoke of a time when life was, if perhaps not better, certainly more pleasant, it is no surprise these scarce, timeless vehicles of British motoring history are very collectable. Grab one while they are still affordable. Good luck.

Vehicle Location: Chipping Sodbury, Gloucestershire, BS37– it’s the responsibility of the winning bidder to make collection / transportation arrangements directly with the vendor.

Would like to arrange a viewing or have a question about this Ford Thames? Please contact us at team@evoke-classics.com and we will speak to the vendor on your behalf.