Vehicle Description
1959 Ford Thames 300E Panel Van
The Ford Thames 300E is a car derived van that was produced by Ford
UK from 1954 to 1961. The Thames, (or Thames Trader), name was
given to all available sizes of commercial vehicle produced by Ford
in Britain from the 1950s through to 1965. In that year the Thames
and Trader names were discontinued.
And now for something completely different. You might call this a
plum crazy machine from across the pond and given the apt name
Thames, like the river, and now modified to be a one-of-a-kind
street rod. You will not want to miss this one!!
Exterior
Looking decidedly British with its small stature single headlight
and stainless-steel gridded grille we have a truck in the form of a
300E panel van. It's small, it's cute and has the windows covered
over for the cargo area. Access to this area is through the center
out swinging rear doors. Everything is bathed in purple right down
to the oversized scooped hood. Some lighter purple pinstripe
flourishes are adorning the corners and edge framing of the side
panels. Looking a lot like the old Rat Fink cartoons with somewhat
normal drawn bodies and exaggerated engines and tires, this truck
emulates that "Car"toon" genre. This truck rod has a chromed rocker
edge and a shiny front and rear bumper. Stuffed underneath are
chrome 5 spoke Cragar SS wheels with 14 inches upfront wrapped in
185/60R14's and in back giant 15 inch wheels wrapped with
295/50R15's. Smoke 'em if ya got 'em and this baby does!
Interior
Black vinyl with some tuck and roll bordered by purple painted
steel for the door panels. This leads to the inside for the black
cloth with vinyl bolstered high back racing seats. These chairs are
stuffed into the cockpit and are fronted by a purple full metal
jacket dash. Sunpro white face gauges pepper the purple, and a
rally style steering wheel fronts the dash. There is a large
tachometer on the column and turn signals and tilt levers are
billet aluminum. Black carpeting covers the floors for the front
and back cargo area. In the center of the dash on the floor sits a
B&M shifter. Nice tight gray tweed material lines the roof and
sidewalls of the cargo area.
Drivetrain
Not unlike the "Car"toons" a large 350ci V8 all polished and shiny
metal encapsulated there is a 650 Holley 4-barrel carb on top to
feed it through an aluminum intake manifold. On back is a TH350
3-speed automatic, and the rear tires are spun by a Dana 60 3.73
posi rear. A very nice, machined look under this scoop. Braided
stainless hoses and a shiny small air cleaner covering add to the
look.
Undercarriage
Very nicely done underneath with nary even a hint of road dirt.
Rack and pinion steering, independent coil overs with disc braking
up front, and out back ladder bars with coil overs which are QA1
adjustable, along with drum braking is noted. Headers and a glass
pack style exhaust exit on either side just prior to the rear
tubbed wheel wells. This truck is now equipped with an 8-gallon
fuel cell. Very sound underneath and looking good to boot!
Drive-Ability
Hopping in was like entering Mr. Toad's wild ride. Here it fired
right up with a mighty roar and on the test track performed with
neck snapping acceleration, good handling and excellent braking
stopping on a dime. All functions were working just fab.
A very unique build to say the least with its exaggerated front
hood and rear tires, bathed in plum crazy purple, and a snappy
interior. I say ol chap, let's go for a spin!
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.