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.
Back to Car Photographs Page 3.
Having done a bit of research, I think this is the E494C version of Ford's 5cwt van, the final incarnation of the sit-up-and-beg style 5 cwt before the 300E came along a few years later.
The E494C was built from 1948 to 1954. 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'.
I wonder what happened to UPD 223? or who actually owned it? In the background is a hefty Scammell lorry, and some gallopers from a fairground ride. Thanks for sending the photograph in!
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!
A few more photos of Fordson & Thames 5cwt vans appear in a section of my 10cwt van website: www.e83w.co.uk
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