Goodwood Aero Club Service
1965 Commer Cob Service Van
Registration no. CTA 404C
Chassis no. 63301430LHVO
Engine no. B006001058

Founded in South London in 1905 and established as commercial vehicle manufacturers at its new Luton factory the following year, Commercial Cars Limited did not acquire the now familiar 'Commer' name until 1926 when Humber took control. Two years later Humber/Commer joined Hillman in Rootes' rapidly expanding empire, the acquisition marking the group's entry into the commercial vehicle market. Under Rootes' management the Commer range was rationalised and modernised, with smaller models' chassis, engines and running gear shared with Rootes' passenger cars, and in 1932 the firm became the first in the UK to offer diesel engines as an option.

Introduced in 1956, the Cob was a panel van based on the Hillman Husky estate car, itself a derivative of the Hillman Minx saloon, and was powered initially by Rootes' 1,265cc sidevalve engine, which was mated to a four-speed manual gearbox. The Cob was periodically revised and updated in line with Husky/Minx before being dropped from the range in 1965.

Dating from 1965, the late example offered here is no ordinary Cob. It was upgraded in period by Jack Brabham of Chessington, who installed a 1,725cc Sunbeam Alpine engine and four-speed overdrive gearbox, while the handling was improved by fitting a front anti-roll bar. More recently, since 2003, a higher-ratio final drive has been installed; a full set of correct-for-the-period Rootes instruments added; and a stainless steel system fitted. In addition, the front wings, bonnet, front panel, rear bumper and front/rear over-riders have all been replaced. Classic Van & Pickup magazine featured the Commer in its July 2003 edition.

The current vendor purchased the Cob at auction in 2011, since when it has been used as a support vehicle for his Ferraris at Goodwood and other venues. It has also been used at many 'Revival' meetings by Goodwood Aero Club members (photographs on file). Maintained and serviced by specialists in Warfield, Berkshire the vehicle is described as generally very good mechanical condition with good body, paint and original interior, and is said to be running and driving well. An ideal support vehicle at Historic Grands Prix, the Goodwood Revival and other motor sports gatherings, the Cob is offered with current MoT/tax, V5C registration document and a history file containing various articles, handbooks, bills and expired MoTs.