Registration – VY5 876

Chassis No. – 5319388

M.O.T. – Exempt

Odometer – 60,847

‘VY5876’ is an impressive looking and diligently restored example of Fordson’s Dagenham built version of Ford of America’s BB series of commercial vehicles. ‘VY5876’ dates from 1934 and was reportedly offered up for service towards the war effort at the start of World War II. At the war’s end it was returned to civilian duties again. The current owner acquired ‘VY5876’ in January 2023 to become just its seventh owner – a remarkable provenance for a 90 year old commercial vehicle. Quite clearly ‘VY5876’ has been bodily restored at some point in its recent history but is currently described as a non-runner. It is believed that some minor mechanical attention should be sufficient to get it running once more. ‘VY5876’ comes to us from a large private collection of an individual enthusiast and is offered here with NO RESERVE.

The BB version of Ford and Fordson trucks followed the model A cars and associated AA commercial vehicles. The BB was much revised with a longer wheelbase, stronger frames for heavy duty payloads and beefed up transmissions, springs, and axles. Even the vulnerable wire wheels were replaced by reinforced steel wheels. As was the way at the time, the BB trucks were sold with just chassis, engine and cab and a naked rear frame, allowing independent coachbuilders to modify them for a range of specific purposes. The BB was offered in standard four cylinder “B” engine guise or optional Flat Head V8 form. ‘VY5876’ presents in tanker configuration painted green, black and red and expertly sign written in Pratts Motor Spirit livery. The utilitarian cabin is finished in black leather. Bodywork, paintwork and interior are judged as “average.”

‘VY5876’ is believed to be powered by the four-cylinder, side valve Ford B engine. This unit is renowned as a simple, reliable and durable unit widely used in both Ford cars and trucks of the period. The B engine is a 200 cubic inch, or 3.3-litre, unit and was originally thought to produce around 50 horsepower. This is paired with a four speed manual transmission in this iteration. ‘VY5876’s’ engine is rated as "average” with the transmission and electrics gaining an “average” rating.

In summary:

• A striking looking 1934 Fordson tanker being a perfect candidate as a show vehicle
• Expertly sign written in Pratts Motor Spirit livery
• A Dagenham built example of the esteemed BB truck