Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[cobber]

I expect you people "over there" know about this but I
thought it worth a mention seeing as I got a "Google alert"
about it today.

The Swift group doing a restoration on a 1938 Eccles.. click here.
looks lovely aye?

Cobber.

[old van man]

Thanks for that cobber, there is an appeal in the HCC newsletter for members to man the swift stand at the NEC show
going back to the description of the Eccles,
if it was manufactured in 1938 how can it have seen many years of use before the war ?
and as for the max tow speed of 25mph , very strange, i have towed these big Eccles all round the country 55-60 mph good as gold !
" freezing at night " i don't think so, these vans are double skinned and where designed to be used all year round
just after the war there was a big shortage of housing, and alot of these big eccles did sterling service as temporary housing ....OVM

[Caraboy]

The imposing Eccles President was on the stand, 164, of the Earls Court show in late 1937 and was priced at £330 at launch.
It was very well appointed and finished, oak furniture,on board pump and water tank, build in radio , fully gas equipped, a new feature and 12 volt lighting.
OVM is right , no problems towing with the right vehicle, with double panels and heating these vans were not cold. In the 30s there were many rallies over the Christmas period.
Caraboy

[trailerman]

The gentleman from the HCC kindly allowed me to go inside to get a couple of photos of this van, very nice indeed. Apparently, originally the bunks were brocade and the carpet was patterned so not sure why they didnt 'follow through' on the restoraion, but it looks very good despite that.
The man I spoke to was treasurer of the HCC but I didnt get his name, apologies to him !
http://gypsytrailercaravans.webeden.co.uk/#/1938-eccles/4539231551

(sorry its link but I havent got a 'photo account').

[old van man]

Thanks for posting the pics, this is the first time i have seen the restored van, looks like a nice job
i agree with what you say about the choice of fabrics , looks to modern, shame,
look back on my postings and i have put on pics of a Eccles aristocrat of around the same period , this had its original covers on its seats ,i use these pics and more that i have, as reference when restoring 30s vans
looks like alot of time and money gone into the exterior paint,
but again an odd choice of color ? these vans where nearly aways two tone , with the hardwood window frames stained and varnished
the HCC treasurer name is keith laidlow