The Fordson E83W was central to Ford of Britain’s response to the changing economy during the Great Depression. With its small, economical motor and near-endless variety of cargo configurations – including open pickup, flatbed, barrel, concessionaire, and so on – the E83W competed with Morris, Bedford, Commer, and Dennis commercial vehicles. Today, its “sit up and beg” styling is unique and endearing, but back then, almost everything looked like a Basset Hound’s face. Find this E83W project van in Salem, Oregon, with details advertised here in craigslist. The seller is asking $9900. Thanks to Curvette for the tip!
Ford’s nomenclature told you what you were getting – mostly: the “E” meant the vehicle was made in Britain; the “8” referred to the year of launch (1938), and the “3” corresponded to a 10 taxable hp four-cylinder. “W” referred to a forward-control truck. The E83W has a 10 cwt load rating – about 1100 lbs. The tiny 1172 cc flathead four in here actually makes about 30 hp, but gearing is low, and the van is primitively suspended by transverse springs front and rear, so top speed comes in at about 40 mph. A three-speed manual brings power to the rear wheels. While the engine will run, the seller notes that it was parked in 2019 when the water pump started leaking.
Finding one of these configured in LHD is tough. Note that the dash gauges are set for RHD; here in America, we get to look at switches. The throttle is in the center of the pedal arrangement. Remember, these were delivery vans, so only the driver merits a seat. The cargo area is promising, with a decent wood floor. Up until the mid-1930s, vehicle roofs were made in pieces, including a center piece made of wire, batting, cloth, and vinyl. Even after 1935, it was expensive to roll a continuous roof panel.
Considering the engine didn’t come with an oil filter and was cooled via thermosyphon, the chassis needed grease everywhere all the time, and the van was delivered with only one reluctant windshield wiper, the existence of bumpers is a nice surprise. Love the barn doors, exterior hinges, and rear lamps on stalks. This pre-war van broadcasts charm like a debutante at a ball. But as appealing as it is, the price seems high; what do you think?
‘Ello, mates, with those doors, looks to be a “Black Maria”, it does. In fact, images show these used as police vans, but mostly in Australia. Britain seemed to use Thames as its being sold as, never heard the Fordson part. It’s a neat piece, and for the record, there were outfits that switched RHD to LHD here. Naturally, my big concern would be the lack of power, but for the back alleys of London, who needs it. Cherrio!
Pip pip! Thanks, Howard, I forgot to mention that “Fordson” was used before the war, then the model name was changed to “Thames”. Fordson meant truck, basically.
I have an acquaintance out west who has a pickup version of this. I often wonder why the Brits settled for such tiny conveyances because they have to shoehorn themselves into them. Surely gas can’t be that expensive, can it?
I’m not sure about this truck but the pickup I looked at has the steering column angled and the chassis is designed to be LH or RH drive.
And that engine. Interesting that this chassis also inspired the Anglia car, which, back in the sixties became hotrods over here. I remember, back in the late 60s, going to see the Beach Boys. A guy drove in from the west coast in a ’51 Anglia that was powered by a Chevy 409. The guy and his wife weren’t small people but I took one look into the interior and all I could think of was heat and cramped quarters.
The things hotrodders go through…
If you’ve ever been to Britain and driven the roads away from the motorway, where the houses and businesses practically abut the edge of the pavement (shoulders are only a dream), you’ll know why these are built so small.
Where’n’t/aren’t vehicles taxed on horsepower in England?
Taxes were ridiculous, thats why they had a ton of three wheeled vehicles, they were taxed as motorcycles
Nice job Michelle and Curvette, I was thinking if you drove without the clutch and brake you could move the seat to the middle and start/ turn off the ignition on your way in and out the door to your left,