Simon Cars - Ford Thames 400E

Ford Thames 400E

Ford replaced the Ford Thames E83W forward control truck in 1957 with the full forward control Ford Thames 400E. The 400E at last dispensed with the 1,172cc sidevalve engine and gained the new 1,703cc ohv engine from the Ford Consul. The van body was of monocoque construction, although a ladder chassis version was made for pickups and other variants. Named the 'Ford Thames' the Thames title was dropped in 1965 and the 400E gave way to the new V4 Ford Transit later that year. There were two main variants of the 400E; the 402E with petrol engine, and the 406E with diesel engine. There were 10 cwt, 12 cwt and 15 cwt models all mechanically the same and using the same body and chassis.

Ford 402E 15cwt 1965 Van. The 'Thames' badge was dropped in 1965 for a 'Ford' badge.

Ford Thames 15 1961 Van, The 'Thames' badge was dropped in 1965 for a 'Ford' badge.

Ford Thames Freighter 1959. 'Freighter' was the name given to export vehicles, and this one was sold to Malta.

Bedford CA 1954 SWB Van. Vauxhall 1,508cc 4-cylinder engine with 3-speed column change

Ford 402E 15cwt 1965 Van. 15cwt models were '402E' and Perkins Diesels '406E'. From 1963 the Vans gained the more powerful 1,703cc engine from the Ford Zephyr 4 and a 4-speed gearbox was optional.

Ford Thames 15 1960 Dropside. The 402E had a 1,703cc Ford Consul engine. This dropside body was one of many offered, and it was common to have these built locally rather than by the factory.

Ford Thames 15 1960 Dropside. Pickup and Dropside bodies were often built by local suppliers and will differ between vehicles.

Ford Thames 15 1960 Fire Tender. 'Firefly' Conversion by Fire Armour Ltd (London), which included the fitting of a Coventry-Climax engine and a 100-gallon water tank

Ford Thames 15 1961 Van, powered by 1,703cc Ford Consul engine with 3-speed column change.

Ford Thames 15 1961 Van. The Ford Thames Van was sold as the 1,703cc 402E and the diesel-engined 406E

Ford Thames 15 1964 Minibus. This Minibus has an optional hinged side door, on the nearside.

Ford Thames 15 1964 Minibus, this 402E has the more powerful 1,703cc engine from the Zephyr 4, but retains a 3-speed gearbox

Ford Thames 15 1964 Minibus. Dagenham offered the Ford Thames Van in 10cwt, 12cwt and 15cwt versions, but the body was the same for all versions. The standard van did not have a side door, but there was an option for this on the nearside only. Minibus versions were available, but it was also common to buy a van and have windows and seats fitted after, sometimes making a saving in Purchase Tax. There were also chassis cab versions for fitting pickup bodies and more specialised coachwork

Ford Thames Freighter 1959. 'Freighter' was the name given to export vehicles, and this one was sold to Malta. Powered by a 1,703cc Ford Consul engine with a 3-speed column change.

Ford Thames Freighter 1959 Motor Caravan rear

Ford Thames Freighter 1959. It carries a Motor Caravan body built of wood and fibreglass

Ford Transit 1968 Dropside

Fordson E83W 1951 Van. Produced at the Dagenham plant from 1938 to 1957 alongside the Fordson tractors. The E83W was a half-ton commercial based on the mechanics of the Ford Ten. An 1,172cc sidevalve engine sat beside the driver and its modest power was only good for around 40mph. From 1938 to 1951 the E83W was sold under the 'Fordson' brand and from 1952 as the 'Ford Thames'.

Morris J2 1963 Omnicoach, powered by 1,498cc B-Series engine

Morris J4 1962 Bluebird Moto-Plus Camper front

Morris J4 1962 Bluebird Moto-Plus Camper, powered by 1,489cc B-Series engine

Renault Estafette 800. The Estafette 800 replaced the 600 in 1962, and it was uprated to carry 800 kilos and given the Billancourt 1,108cc engine.

Standard Atlas Van

Volkswagen Transporter 1951 Camper Van

British Commercial Vehicles Ford Pickups, Trucks and Vans Simon Cars

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