FORD THAMES 400E MARTIN WALTER DORMOBILE CLASSIC CAMPER VAN PROJECT FULL MOT WOW

Hi welcome to the auction of our classic camper van. well when was the last time you saw one of these out and about.
Our search started a few years ago after my wife said "I would love to do that". That being George Clark's Amazing Spaces episode with the old camper. so our search started. We attended lots of shows etc. but soon realized it was rows rows of VW's and thought about something more British. we even had all the colours and fabrics worked out for the new arrival.  Lots and lots of searching then Bingo. love at first sight. An on the road. usable Ford Thames 400E genuine Martin Walter Dormobile at less money than the common VW.  A deal was struck and off down to Crawley to collect our beloved.  
She drove back 240 miles without any major dramas. unless you count the 10 mile jam on the M25 we caused when the roof decided to elevate like a huge sail bringing us to an abrupt stop (oops. ot fastened down).  
Well first weekend and its all aboard the skylark kids. dogs and friends couldn't wait. Skeg-vagas here we come. it didn'tt matter that it had hand painted parts. rusty bits and a top speed of 55 and wandered around we were off on our first jolly.  All I can say is these are what memories are made of. one of many fun outings we had over the following summer.
OK onto the camper. I would describe it as a usable restoration project. it drives fine for a 50+ year old but it does need work.  The speedometer is intermittent. it occasionally gets stuck in reverse gear but a quick wiggle of the rods underneath sorts that out.  It leaks in water in the rain (but kept in barn for storage) so is dry.  The top goes up and down OK and all the lower panels are good having been replaced previously.  The body has scabs. rust and bumps all over but the chassis is perfect. never welded and needs no welding.  All doors work and all the seats fold up and down but need mechanisms oiling.  The old cooker works. some of the interior panels and one bunk bed has been removed to see gutter and are still out of the van.
The mechanics are great engine starts first time with choke on.  I'm told most of these jump out of top gear. this never does.  It does use a bit of oil but it's through leaking not engine wear. The bit that has been a cause for concern is the roof guttering. this runs all round the roof and needs repairing.  I have had 2 companies take a look and quote for this repair.  First suggested the removal of the roof. repair then refit.  Second place said no problem we will do it in sections but would remove the glass. both similar in price (too much).  But. and this is an important but. if you can turn your hand to welding fabricating or have a nice welder friend then this would be cheap as its time not materials for the repairs.  
I will let the winning bidder have a MIG welder. air compressor/paint gun and some metal work tools free of charge (if you want them) if "buy it now" option is used.  If not we can negotiate a cheap price if you want them.
If you are a new driver then it's not for you. it's not like a modern daily driver.   It's an actual event going out in it. there is no power steering. you have to use all your leg muscles to make it stop and the gears are on the column known as "3 in the tree". but this is a later lot better 4 speed "4 in the tree".   Hand brake is a leaver under the dash so as you see a bit of experience goes a long way if your jumping into this.  Saying that what a laugh. it's like going back in time.  I've  MOT'd it today. so you have 12 months to run and enjoy then decide which way you want to go with it.
I am happy to take anyone out for a test run (me driving) you can lift it up. go all over it. bring a mechanic.  Do what you need before the auction ends and hopefully anyone bidding will view first as no umimg and aring afterwards.  It will definitely sell to the highest bid or the 5k "buy it now" this will disappear after first bid but i would accept but not after the 12 hour deadline. No reserve.
Collection will have to be before 1st Sept and this is not a negotiable date (will explain to winner).  So if you can't meet this please do not bid.  I could deliver anywhere really as its been totally reliable but would need my return rail fare paid.  Please ask before bidding if your thinking of this and would have to paid in advance of delivery.
So that;s most I can think of if you need to know anything at all use ebay messages as I don't have mobile and texts etcI'm retired so viewing anytime.

Also published at eBay.co.uk

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