1973 Bedford CF Morrison Ice Cream Van
Has been completely and lovingly restored in its original livery colours.

Registration – HOW 212L

Chassis No. – 97290CY622197

M.O.T. – Historic vehicle / exempt

Odometer – 93,055

Few vehicles evoke childhood nostalgia quite as instantly as a traditional British ice cream van, and this wonderfully presented 1973 Bedford CF is a particularly charming example. Wearing its unmistakable Mister Softee colours, complete with illuminated roof-mounted ice cream cones, period-style signage and serving windows, it is difficult to imagine a more cheerful classic arriving at a show, festival or summer event.

Built on the Bedford CF and fitted with its specialist Morrison Industries full-cowl body, the van retains a number of delightful period details. The original Morrison Industries manufacturer's plate remains in place, identifying van number 13894, while the wonderfully simple driver's compartment retains its Bedford instrumentation, period controls and Morrison Power Drive operating instructions.

The vendor informs us that the van underwent a comprehensive chassis-up refurbishment in 2018. Today it presents attractively in the familiar combination of white, bright blue and red, finished with Mister Softee branding and the wonderfully appropriate ‘Freshly made just for you!’ script along its flanks.

Importantly, this is far more than simply a Bedford painted to resemble an ice cream van. The serving compartment remains properly equipped, with a Carpigiani soft-serve ice cream machine, four-lid freezer and single chiller cabinet. Period-style Harvin chimes are also fitted, while the large sliding serving windows and internal counters complete the authentic appearance.

There are charming details wherever one looks, from the illuminated cones flanking the roof signage to the ‘Slow! Watch for Children’ panel at the rear. Inside, the utilitarian driving environment provides a fascinating contrast to the colourful exterior, with the original-style dashboard and specialist controls serving as a reminder that these vehicles were purpose-built working machines.

The Bedford CF itself was introduced in 1969 and became one of Britain's most familiar light commercial vehicles throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Its adaptability saw it employed in countless roles, but perhaps none is remembered quite as fondly as the ice cream van. Specialist coachbuilders such as Morrison Industries transformed commercial chassis into the instantly recognisable mobile ice cream parlours that became a familiar sight on British streets.

More than half a century after its first registration on 24th May 1973, ‘HOW 212L’ represents an increasingly unusual survivor from that era. Its distinctive Morrison coachwork, working equipment and wonderfully nostalgic presentation give it considerable potential as a promotional vehicle, event attraction, show vehicle or, subject to the appropriate checks and certification, a return to commercial use.

With its unmistakable looks and almost universal nostalgic appeal, this is the sort of vehicle that is likely to attract attention wherever it goes.

Summary

• Charming 1973 Bedford CF with specialist Morrison Industries full-cowl ice cream van body
• Chassis-up refurbishment completed in 2018 and presented in classic Mister Softee colours
• Equipped with Carpigiani ice cream machine, four-lid freezer, chiller cabinet, Harvin chimes and illuminated cones

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