Definitely a classic

My classic Mercedes broke down today and I got recovered to a local specialist, but that’s not important. I was surprised to see this old van on the forecourt when I got there. It’s not as unloved as it might appear. Apparently, it’s had a lot of money spent on it already, with more to come.

Looks like a Sherpa as base vehicle, in 1986 I passed my police driving test in a Sherpa van in Whitehaven. Allowed me to get of foot patrol and use pandas..fiesta and mini, as well as drive the vans.

Think Cumbria was the only force in the 80s that allowed specials to sit test and subsequently drive.

Didn't seem to matter what gear the Sherpa was in it went at the same speed. Brakes and steering iffy as well. My WXL is a dream to drive by comparison.

There are very few Sherpas of any variety left. 24 licensed apparently. They rusted so badly of course.

How about this one at a classic car day near Malton, couple of sundays ago.

The Transit has been spoiled in my opinion. Having watched some of the antics Mike Brewer and his mates got up to with other vehicles I would be a bit wary of a Transit that age unless the work could be proven. I can vouch for Transits rusting well.
The MOT history is interesting reading.

The big chin spoiler in the Mike Brewer Transit just looks wrong - A/S would not have fitted such a thing from the factory, so my guess is that someone must have pranged the front valence and bunged that on to cover up the damage...