I paid $5000 for this plus delivery and have sunk more than $8000 into it to get it to its present GREAT running condition (runs like a top!). ONLY needs a good paint job to make this show car!
1965 Ford Thames Freighter (aka 400E)! Matching all numbers! Suitable as a daily driver...trade van, surf mobile or the ultimate in advertising vehicles.
Converted to a camper van upon delivery in 1965 by Athol Hedges in Brisbane.
This van is COOL! Gets "street cred" from Harley riders, surfers & tradies, old & young, men & women alike. ...looks like the "Mystery Machine" from Scooby-Doo! Get's attention no matter where it goes! I can't remember a trip out when I haven't been waved at, "thumbs up'd," asked about or have had a photo taken of the thing! Seriously, if you are trying to remain anonymous...this ISN'T the car for you!
I'm the 3rd owner. The 2nd owner bought it off of the original owner with the intention of restoring it (but didn't do it). They put almost no mileage on it. It currently has less than 69,000 ORIGINAL miles on it. 4 speed column shift manual.
The remarkable thing about this vehicle is the AMAZING condition that it is in. It needs a new paint job (original blue paint (faded) still intact), new window rubbers...and could do with an interior makeover (to newer van camper technologies), but other than that...it's GREAT! NO ACCIDENTS and minimal surface rust. Tracks PERFECTLY straight...just a blast to drive.
I bought this too, with the intention of restoring it to "as new," but have spent SO much on its mechanics, it's time to move on.
The following are mechanical repairs completed in the last 2500 miles:
New ball joints, new rod ends, rebuilt carburettor, rebuilt fuel pump, re-cored/re-engineered radiator, new water pump, with cooling system flushed about 20 times, new points, new plugs, new headlight, new exhaust manifold, stainless steel muffler, total engine tune up, oil change, oil filter, new belts & hoses, front end aligned...there's more too! ***JUST FITTED DECEMBER 21, 2010: TWO NEW (FRONT) TYRES
Runs like a top...starts with ONE push of the cool start button. Does 100+kph with no problems (1700 cc engine). STRONG frame...has been inspected to get a 1000kg tow bar (with higher limit possible). 4 speed "on the column."
Yes, ALL of the lights & gauges work...as do the wipers and even the cigarette lighter!
An amazing opportunity to acquire a piece of motoring history.
Is road registered in Queensland until the end of May 2011 and was inspected at the time of my transfer by the Department of Transportation.
Inspection encouraged...just want to see this van go to a good home that will give it the finishing touches that it needs to be a show car.
***I am willing to DRIVE this van to your nearest major city in Australia for delivery @ $1.35 per km from post code 4217 (if THAT isn't a show of faith as to what kind of condition the Thames is in, I don't know what is!). Van + delivery fee MUST be paid for in advance...van becomes your responsibility at time of purchase.
So c'mon Aussies!...show some spirit!...and grab an AMAZING piece of history AT A BARGAIN.
Van is sold as is / where is, with no warranties implied or expressed.
