A former Forfar businessman has literally outgrown his 1926 Morris van.
Michael Irons said: ”There is not enough room for the size of my backside!”
The Morris Cowley bullnose van is one of the star lots at Strathmore Vintage Vehicle Club’s forthcoming auction. Mr Irons is hoping to sell it for over £10,000 but refuses to say how much he and his brother invested in restoring the vehicle.
He said: ”Don’t dare ask. I couldn’t possibly comment.”
Brothers Michael and Marshall Irons sold the family ironmonger business in Castle Street in 2005. It was the end of a 165-year family connection to David Irons & Sons, now owned by the Earl of Strathmore.
The bullnose van, which had been lovingly restored over a number of years, was the only thing they kept that was associated with the business.
The van used to be seen making deliveries to customers across the county and was primarily an advertising vehicle for the business, decked out in the Irons livery.
The brothers bought a running chassis from a man in Dumfries in 1976 and kept it for a year or two, before sending it down to a vintage vehicle restoration firm near Swindon.
The vehicle was in the workshop for around four years, with the specialist restorers working in fits and starts during that period. When the work was completed in 1983, it was painted in the Irons’ business livery and became a familiar sight making deliveries.
Mr Irons said: ”We used it for making deliveries of wedding gifts and other special deliveries. It was out on the road when it was sunny. It was really used for advertising.”
Both brothers drove the van for business purposes and, since retiring, they have continued to drive it for pleasure.
Mr Irons said he had no idea how many miles they had clocked up in the van but admitted it would be difficult to part with it.
He said: ”I’m afraid it will be a wrench. It’s part of our business. It’s the one thing we still have from the business, but the time has come for it to go.”
The auction will take place on Saturday, October 29, at 9am at the Strathmore Vintage Vehicle Club premises at Bridge View House, Glamis.
Organiser Lesley Munro said there are over 700 lots, including around 30 vehicles, in the sale. There will be viewing between 10am and 3pm on the Thursday and Friday prior to the sale.
Photo photosonlocation.