Bedford HA Van

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Launched in 1963 by Vauxhall subsidiary Bedford Vehicles, the HA van was based on the Vauxhall Viva HA saloon car and proved so popular that it remained in production for 20 years.

Initially fitted with a 1,057cc four-cylinder engine, this grew to 1,159cc in 1967 and finally to 1,256cc with two payload options available, 6cwt (HAE) or heavy duty 8cwt (HAV), the latter with bigger tyres and a beefed up rear axle and suspension. With 48bhp on tap and driving through a four-speed all-synchro gearbox, it had a top speed of 60mph and 39mpg economy.

Immensely popular with utility companies, no Seventies street scene was complete without a British Gas, Telecom or Post Office HA van scurrying about its daily business. Outliving the Viva HA saloon by almost five years, it soldiered on virtually unaltered until it was finally replaced by the new Astravan/Astramax in 1983.

First registered in September 1979 (but possibly dating from 1969 hence the 'H' plate although the V5C does not make this clear), this particular van is the HAE 6cwt version with a 670lb payload capacity. It has had just four owners from new and has been substantially restored within the last year including a body restoration and respray in Royal Blue, rebuilt engine, new clutch and a brake overhaul at a cost of over £2,500.

Said to run and drive well with an MOT until May 2016 and so much more characterful than a modern equivalent, it no doubt has years of useful life ahead of it and would make a great promotional vehicle for any small business.