Classic Vans

Demand in van rental and leasing is expected to grow in 2011 according to the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association. The van industry appears to be recovering from the recent recession as sales and deals in van contract hire continue to grow. Citroen van leasing and Vauxhall van leasing have had positive returns in 2010. It has been a shaky few years in the van industry. So why not mark this expected boom with a list of the top five classic vans.

VW Splitscreen

A van synonomous with flower power and the swinging 1960s. The ‘splittie’ is a must for all classic van collectors; only a few of the original camper vans survive.

Ford Transit Mk1

Up and down the country you will see a number of white Transits which have become extremely popular amongst tradesmen, helping coin the phrase ‘White Van Man’. In 1965, the Transit was released and marketed as a van which offered car-like driving experience.

Fordson 5cwt
This van owes much of its design and running gear to the saloons of the day. Through the 1930s to the 1950s a number of types of 5cwt were developed. In the US, a number of Fordson vans have been modified into hot rods and custom cars.

Austin 6cwt/ Morris Minor Van.
Most of these vehicles were badged as Morris vehicles but a few were badges as Austin and are known as the 6cwt van. It probably is the most popular small classic vans in the UK, despite, it must be said, a number of ugly models.

Morris J-Type Van
This endearing little van dates to the late 1940S to early 1950S. A rare van which was used commercially with a number ice cream vans, milk floats and pick up firms using the van powered by a sidevalve Morris engine.