Vintage Bedford Ice Cream Van

For Sale is my classic 1975 Bedford CF Ice Cream Van with the iconic Morrison body.
Firstly. let me point out that this is a most reluctant sale forced upon me by an advancing medical condition which means I will not be able to give my business the energy and drive it deserves.  This van. Nelly. is just too good to sit around doing nothing. she demands to be worked.  There is a lot of information that anyone serious about taking on this lovely classic vehicle will need and want to know so I will break it down into sections.
HistoryNelly was originally registered in Northern Ireland when new - she served for 5 years for 'Ulster Maid' before being bought by the Doncaster franchise of Mr Softee.  Here she was given a blue and white Mr Softee livery and served for many years at parks. events and shows.  She was not used for mobiling during this time.  Eventually she was retired and was parked indoors at the back of the large Mr Softee warehouse where she remained for a number of years.  The owner had an emotional attachment which is why he didn't scrap her during this time.  In 2013. the owner had enough time and funds to bring her back to life.  She was fully refurbished. stripped down and built back up retaining original features.  She was given a new livery in the classic 'Mr Whippy' brand.  The attention to detail was superb from the exact colour matching to the sourcing of original but high quality hub caps and bumpers to replace the original corroded ones.
She was then placed for sale and was snapped up by myself.  I have continued to add and improve.  I have added a set of 8 chimes in the original music box style in keeping with the year of the vehicle.  Included is the original Mr Whippy tune (Greensleeves) but also is the Mr Softee jingle - as a nod to the vans history.  I have also fitted LED strip lights inside which provide very eye catching illumination of the Mr Whippy signs and also provide high quality lighting for work.  On the mechanical front. not a lot has been required over the last year of my ownership save for a new starter motor which has been completed in April.  We have had a breathable waterproof cover specially made by Pro-Tec covers of Bradford.  This is easy to put on with two people and keeps the elements off the van when not in use.   This will come with the van.  

Ice CreamNelly serves wonderful whipped soft ice cream from her Carpiagiani 'one' machine.  This machine works as it should and is reliable.  There is also a chest freezer which can be charged overnight and will get down to -36. maintaining a safe low temperature  all day long.  We store a range of traditional ice lollies in here.  
Our Business ModelWe have developed a successful business hiring out our services for the growing wedding market. fetes. events. private parties. corporate events etc.  We are registered with a number of events websites and are getting requests for quotes and service on a daily basis.  
We have a website and Facebook page.  In September 2015 we were inspected by our local authority for Food Hygiene and were awarded level 5 - Very Good.   We have been turning down a number of requests because we are already booked.  This is a lovely business to be involved in - the vehicle is beautiful and the serving of lovely ice cream is a joy.  It is such a sadness to me that it has come to this but I must face facts and let someone else take the helm - someone with energy and enthusiasm.  
Points to NoteNelly is over 40 years old.  Whilst she has had a good standard of maintenance and refurbishment. she is still an old vehicle.  The engine is the trusty Perkins 4108 and whilst reliable and solid. ticking over all day to power the carp machine. she is not fast and a top speed of 40 mph is about all she can muster.   The fuel filling situation could be better.  The shape of the filler neck means that modern high speed pumps very quickly cause fuel to slosh back out.  I fill a jerry can at the garage and fill up slowly at my base to overcome this issue.  I think I have mentioned everything there is to mention. I will add more if anything comes to mind.  The vehicle is due an MOT in May 2016 and will be MOT'd before sale. .
 MOT until May 2017 with no advisories.  
Please message to arrange a viewing.     

Also published at eBay.co.uk

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