1. Ford Thames E494C van
Les, who seemingly has an infinite personal collection of old transport photographs, sent in the first photograph shown on this page, a Thames 5cwt van in use by a showman, presumably in the 50s or 60s.
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This is the E494C version of Ford's 5cwt van range, the final incarnation of the sit-up-and-beg style 5 cwt panel van (a pickup version of the 5cwt wasn't offered by the factory) before the monocoque 300E came along a few years later.
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The E494C was built from 1948 to 1954, replacing the (very similar) Fordson E04C van. Some had opening windscreens and a wiper mounted above the screen, whereas this one has a fixed screen, with wipers (plural) sited below the screen. Note the 'A Ford Product' badge affixed to the bonnet side grilles, same as those found on Thames-badged E83Ws and some larger Thames lorries, such as the ET6 and 4D. The E494C came equipped with the tiny lamps that were also fitted to the very basic 103E Popular saloons. Bumpers were an optional fitment on these small vans - this one looks to have been fitted with something from a much earlier saloon, perhaps a 7Y 'Eight' or 7W 'Ten'. Examples of the E494C are getting hard to find in good condition. Most were simply scrapped after leading a very hard life, while a small number went on to be preserved. Of these, many - in the US in particular - have been extensively modified into hot rods, with some conversions being more successful than others it has to be said. I wonder what happened to UPD 223? or who actually owned it? Did it end up being scrapped, or hacked about by someone with a penchant for V8 engines and tin snips? In the background is a hefty Scammell lorry, and some gallopers from a fairground ride. Thanks for sending the photograph in!
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2. A Fordson 5cwt seen in Australia
In 2007 I received the photo shown below, showing a Fordson that spent its working life in Australia. Dennis emailed it over, asking if I could identify the model of van shown, and also gave permission for it to be shown here - "... my father owned this van in Geelong, Victoria, Australia in 1956-62. Thats me on the right.". Thanks for sending it over Dennis!
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3. An 5cwt E494C van in London.
This street scene was captured on film at 3.30pm on 7th September 1954, as part of a review of congestion on London's streets. The location is Beak Street, close to the famous Carnaby Street. Nearest the camera is a 5cwt E494C van, registration NGX 374 (London, late 1952). At first glance I'd assumed this was a 103E Pop, but the small rear windows set into the van's rear doors can just be seen. The second Commercial license disc can also be seen in the van's windscreen, alongside the tax disc. Is that a Vauxhall parked behind the Ford?
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The road surface has undergone a lot of work by its appearance, is the surface to the right of shot an example of the wooden block roads that existed in London at the time?
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The Ford van is parked outside the Dairy Teas food store, so perhaps the owner has popped in for a few groceries. Alternatively, maybe he had an interest in microscopes, in which case he was no doubt perusing the wares in Deepees, a scientific supplies outlet. Note the hatted chap stood on the pavement near the Ford, perhaps considering a purchase from Dolores' millinery. I doubt that the young chap nearest the camera would have been in the market for a new bowler hat, it would have flattened his quiff.
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Or, perhaps more likely, the owner of the E494C could be found sat in the cafe opposite, downing a mug of tea, drawing slowly on a Churchman's Top Score cigarette, one of the many products on offer at this establishment.
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Several more photos of Fordson & Thames 5cwt vans appear in a section of my 10cwt van website: www.e83w.co.uk
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Back to Car Photographs Page 3.
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