Via my E83W website I got to hear of this van that was now available to buy.
Needless to say I didn't actually need a van as such, but I've always like the idea of getting one of these cute little commercial vehicles. I
was keen not to buy something that needs a monster rebuild, so when I saw that this had already had the bulk of the restoration work done, it
caught my eye.
Swift negotiations ensued, and after a visit to check it over, the deal was done, and the van hauled back home behind the latest Merc estate (300TE), with
dad coming along to give a hand as necessary, and do some of the driving. Following on as it did from a wooden pickup acquisition only 2 months earlier, I
had to grovel big time with 'er indoors, to get this one past the driveway entrance. Numerous concessions later and I received grudging agreement from
SWMBO (she who must be obeyed) and the vans new home was decided!
A fair bit of bodywork restoration was performed in the early 1990s, after which the van (with only 39k miles on the clock) sat in a snug, carpeted garage,
awaiting developments. Its owner didn't find the time to piece the old girl back together, and instead bought a very nice S2 Land Rover to play with instead.
Like I say, if it'd been an old nail needing major restorative surgery, I'd probably have walked on by (well..), but I hope that this shouldn't be too painful
to resurrect.
Update. In 2008 I decided to sell the van and raise some money for the Dodge's restoration. I was sorry to see it go, but needs must and all that!!!!
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