I bought the van because I just liked it around 1979-1980 for £500. Don't recall what first inspired me. Can't remember where it was advertised in those days. Exchange and Mart probably. Can't imagine where else. I do remember meeting the seller to collect it near Sloane Square. It was a red JB from about 1958 I think and I repainted it with a brush!
I used it as my everyday transport.
The 2 Reel Co was the name of my theatre double-act where my mate and I were an old 20s style silent film company. The image on the side is gold painted paper! No expense spared! We had a comedy theatre show we toured, but not in the van. We should have had a pre war van but I had this one.
The driver while we were on top was a chap called Dave Watson who I seem to remember being into J types. Name mean anything to anyone? I'll try and find all the pics I've got too.
I eventually sold it to my colleague (fool that I was) and he eventually sold it on, but retained the registration number 9415 TW ( A November 1959 registration from Essex) for his Porsche! (its now on a Merc E250 sports coupe). I believe it did end up on the Isle of Wight, where it was painted green and cream.
I drove it to Penzance in 1980 for a festival with my wife to be and it was great. Much easier and more relaxing than my present one. But I was younger then.
When my current one appeared on eBay I circumvented the auction by going straight to the seller, in Old Hunstanton near King's Lynn, and paying the asking price.
Many thanks P.W. for the pictures and the story.
P.W. is still in show business, his current J van was to be seen on BBC Tv last night.
Many thanks P.W. for the pictures and the story.
P.W. is still in show business, his current J van was to be seen on BBC Tv last night.
