Lot Ended
Description
Meet
“Old Liz” ; Rare 1935 Ford 1½-Ton
Drop-Side Truck; two owners from new; fully restored over the last 55 years;
Fully road legal and ready to enjoy
Up
for auction is "Old Liz," a rare and beautifully restored 1935 Ford 1½-ton
drop-side truck, originally manufactured in England. Delivered new by the
Universal Car Company of Derby to Blood and Sons of Tutbury (near Tamworth), she
was acquired to replace the firm's 1919 Ford Model T. "Old Liz" served reliably
in daily use — including throughout World War II — until her retirement in
1961.
Initially
destined for scrap, she was rediscovered in 1970, abandoned in a hedge at a
scrapyard near Mile End, Staffordshire. After a brief period of use on-site, she
had been left exposed to the elements before being
rescued.
Now
fully and faithfully restored, "Old Liz" retains her original 3.3-litre engine,
meticulously rebuilt by Ford specialists Belcher Engineering. The engine is yet
to be fully run in. She is equipped with a 3-speed crash gearbox, 6-volt
electrics, and a reliable electric starter when used
correctly.
Measuring
16 feet 6 inches in length and 6 feet in width, this striking vintage commercial
vehicle impresses not just mechanically, but historically. The wooden cab — a
rare survivor — has been expertly reconstructed to the original design, as has
the body, both of which were beyond repair when the vehicle was found. Finished
in her original factory colour and adorned with period-correct signwriting as
she would have appeared during her working life with Blood and Sons, this
restoration pays homage to her heritage with incredible attention to
detail.
With
only two registered owners in the past 90 years and a fully documented,
captivating history, "Old Liz" is a truly unique survivor from the early days of
British commercial motoring. It’s easy to imagine Arnold Blood himself would be
proud to see her in such pristine condition, nearly a century after she first
hit the road.
Included
in the sale is a comprehensive history file, featuring photographs from her
discovery over 55 years ago, images of her journey back to the current owner’s
home, and extensive notes, measurements, and documentation made prior to
disassembly. A wealth of receipts and invoices spanning the restoration process
highlights the time, care, and passion invested in bringing "Old Liz" back to
life.
The
truck starts and drives well on site. Fully road legal and ready to
enjoy.
Contact:
james.booth@brightwells.com