Largely complete car with mountains of work done; original engine and 
head included; lots to like, lots to do....
Delivered to Parrs of 
Leicester in October 1955, this 405 was first owned by Mr P Foden 
of ERF Ltd. It was first registered on 7th November 1955 with the number OBC 
42.
A copy of the factory 'advice of despatch' shows its original livery 
as Chinese Ivory with Medium Blue interior and silver wheels. It came with 
overdrive, heater, fog, spot and map lights and was fitted with Michelin X 
tyres. It also had an HMV radio with two speakers.
Further service 
records show attention at the factory in August the following year, and BB Mills 
in Cheshire saw it again in April 1959. By 1961 it was residing in London in the 
hands of Mr J Chapman of Chancery Lane, The Honourable William Waldegrave (now 
Baron Waldegrave of North Hill) owned the car in 1974 by which time it had 
covered 94,277 miles, being sent to Bristol Motors for a major 
overhaul.
Time passed and it changed hands a few times in the 1980s, 
ending up partly restored in Timothy Stamper's workshop where it then 
remained for some time. Brian was contacted by the then-owner who wanted to move 
the project forward in 2000, but after collection, refused to give the go-ahead 
for the work to commence, the car eventually coming into Brian's ownership after 
three years.
As one can see, it is far from complete, but the bodywork 
has been very well finished and the paintwork is impressive. There are parts to 
find, including some engine ancilliaries and gearbox, but we know where to 
find those so how hard can it be....?
The original OBC 42 
registration number is still current on the DVLA database and refers to this 
chassis number so its new owner should be able to acquire a new V5C in their 
name in the usual way.
Contact matthew.parkin@brightwells.com