1984 Mk1 Bedford Astra Van

Firstly thanks for reading this description of the vehicle, i will not attempt to hide anything from the potential purchaser. These are the facts of the vehicle and described to the best of my knowledge.OriginI purchased this vehicle only recently from a lovely mature couple within the area of St.Pauls in Bristol. A terraced house close to the city centre had a hidden piece of treasure, hiding in the dry garage for the last 29 years. Yes this Bedford Astra was almost in the middle of Bristol City Centre, it was such a surprise.  The owner who was a self employed builder placed it into the garage after he purchased larger van to cope with his workload. The intention was to sell the van but instead it remained within the garage used as storage!! This gentleman had owned the van for over 30 years. The previous and first keepers being a commercial scaffolding firm named Palmers Scaffolding LTD who were based in Eastleigh. BodyworkThe bodywork is as expected of a van that has been stored for the last thirty years. It has rust spots , marks , signatures, signs of the original primer BUT IT IS NOT ROTTEN. The two front wings both show signs of rust but are still complete, the doors are the same. The tailgate has surface rust around the perimeter of the window sill but no holes. The roof has a dent that can be pushed out due to a box being stored on top of it. The bonnet is complete , no sagging or bending generally very solid. Work to the rear valence will be needed , the sills also with a few soft spots. A keen follower at first a stranger knocked on my door and asked if he could look around the van, this was allowed. He explained to me that he owned numerous vauxhalls and had two vans similar to mine. He explained that he would expect to see certain areas rusty but they were not , this included the bulkhead and the sides of the engine bay. He explained that because it was an early model it had no sound proofing from the factory , hence no water getting trapped. He looked underneath by the front wheels and again said that it was fine. The van has signs of rusting but generally considering its very good. I dare not say it but the natural Patina finish it has at the moment is quite nice? I have not polished or mopped the van what you see in the pictures is as it stands on the driveway today.I wanted to polish it but got told off by my wife for spending too much time doing nothing outside!!! InteriorThe van has a loading area to the rear . It also has a spare tyre with all factory equipment including the jack, it also had the added option of a Bristolian Rat carcus which is not included in the sale. I can tell you that it has a factory fitted rear folding bench street, the Astra enthusiast that i have already mentioned stated that this was NICE not MICE! The passenger seat is dirty but pretty much complete , the drivers seat is ripped on the stitching. The dashboard is also complete with the original cassette player/radio. The heater works, some of the lights work, the dials work. The van has carpet which is a light brown, very retro. The steering wheel is original the stalks are also complete and even the interior light works not the brightest much like myself. I have vacuumed the interior but not cleaned the dash etc, you see the van pretty much untouched.  The door handles both sides do not work and entry at this point is via the tailgate. Drivers door does open from the inside with a bit of wiggle wiggle, The door cards are both complete. Its like taking a step back in time.EngineThis is the 1.3 OHC engine with a four speed gearbox. The engine is alive , yes alive. It will run , it will move there is a clutch . I  have moved it forwards and backwards off the driveway I had to rev the engine quite hard due to the brakes being sticky but it moved. The clutch feels ok but the brake pedal is stiff. There is a small leak in the radiator. The car will now start from the key but the fuel tank will probably need a clean. It idles off the choke and i can send a video clip if needed. WheelsStandard wheels with 13'tyres that have been on the van since it was placed into the garage. The steel wheels have signs of corrosion but would be easily renovated with the old rub and spray. The enthusiast was happy with all centre pieces as well as the original rear fog light present. Tyres are old but do hold a bit of pressure to maneuverer the van. Photos You will see photos on my drive , this is the van as it stands now. You will see a picture of the van within the garage that it lived in for all that time.  You will also see the picture of the underneath when it was lifted onto the recovery truck. If you would like anymore please , please ask. Do not request a picture of the RAT this may stop you from bidding.OverallThis is a nice little van due to it being rare and early, apparently this model without a rear wipe and heated rear window were the early vans.  No service history just a battered key part of an old V5. I dont think that you will be disappointed, i cannot find another one for sale at this time. Be aware that this van has not been recommissioned neither is the advert chinced up , it is what it looks like a old van with rust, patina , character , low owners willing some lucky person to drive it once more on the open road.TermsCash on collection No bidders with a feedback of under 15 unless contact is made. Strictly this van will need to be collected within three days of the auction ending, deposit within 24hours of auction ending pleased.Delivery is possible via a friend for  a fee.Viewing is more than welcome.The reserve has been set, its quite low considering the rarity of this van.Take care everyone and good luck.     

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