1924 Morris Commercial 8cwt Standard 'Snubnose' Van
Registration no. UF 7502
Chassis no. 64337 (see text)
Engine no. 74075

In 1973 this vehicle was owned by Peter J Seymour, author of the standard work on the marque: 'The Development of 8 & 10cwt Morris Light Vans 1924 to 1934', whose family firm had taken delivery of it in 1924. An accompanying old-style buff logbook records that in 1941 it was registered as a motor plough, a common fate for many hard-used commercials, which in wartime qualified it for licence exemption and fuel allowances. In subsequent years 'UF 7502' was restored to the original Light Van specification by Vicarys of Battle, using factory drawings faithfully to re-create the van body. We understand that a replacement chassis from a Morris Cowley was used in the course of the restoration, the original perhaps having been shortened during this vehicle's use as a motor plough. This exceptionally rare Light Van appears to be to original specification in all major respects, while attractive period features include Gabriel Snubbers, a Boyce Calormeter and decorative wings, the split two-piece windscreen, and Shell Motor Spirit two-gallon can carried on the running board. The restorer correctly resisted the urge to plate the lamps or their rims, which quite properly were painted black. In 2008 'UF 7502' was acquired by collector Jack Tattersall and in November 2010 was purchased at Bonhams' Harrogate Sale (Lot 710) when Jack's collection was dispersed. Currently registered in France, the van has lost its 'Vicarys' paintwork and has undergone some work on the engine to ensure that it starts and runs without problems. However, all efforts to make the speedometer work have failed. The vehicle is offered with the aforementioned buff logbook, Swansea V5C document, old MoT certificates and maintenance invoices, related magazines and a copy of Peter Seymour's authoritative book. The provision of flashing indicators is the only notified deviation from factory specification.