1923' Morris Snub Nose Van

Morris Commercial’s roots can be traced back to Soho, Birmingham, when William Morris purchased a large axle manufacturing company. Morris used the factory as a production facility to manufacture his new Morris Commercial range of trucks and light vans after making his name as the manufacturer of cars. One of their most popular vehicles of the 1920s was the ‘Bullnose’ Morris-based light van. Sharing most of its chassis components with the passenger car on which it was based. This 10cwt model is often referred to as the ‘snub-nosed’ Morris, a reference to its distinctive radiator shape.
This example started life as a two-seater to Oxford specification and was first registered on 12th April 1923 in Llandrindod Wells, hence its early Radnorshire registration number.
The car changed hands twice within the local area before ending up with farmer Hughes just outside the town in 1934. Sometime later he cut the bodywork down to form a flatbed ‘Lorry’ as was often done and is noted in the registration records which come with the van.
It remained on the farm until Lytton Jarman found it there in poor order and bought it in the early 1960's. Jarman was a co-founder of The Bullnose Morris Club and wrote the authorative history "The Bullnose Morris " published in 1965. He had acquired a rare "snubnose" Morris Commercial radiator of the correct period and restored the vehicle in the van form that had been first introduced to the Morris range as early as 1923. He then drove the van every day until he retired in the late 1980's. The previous owner bought it from him and painted it in his old business style. Since then, several London to Brighton Commercial Runs were completed successfully, as well as a trip to Brooklands along the M25.
Little used in recent years, it has been carefully recommissioned in the past few months and is now back on the road. It took part in a 70 mile plus Vintage tour of Suffolk in April held over several days when it performed with no problems.
Offering basic and reliable Vintage transport, this delightful van would make the perfect promotional vehicle or provide enormous fun to use on tours, rallies and to take to shows. After going on a drive up to the farm to take photos I can assure you that she’s a lovely little runner and a lot of fun to drive.
Absolutely any inspection is welcome and viewing is highly recommended. All major credit and debit cards accepted. Delivery can be arranged. For more details please call Nicole on 07854641947.