Huge classic car event to celebrate 100 years of Morris commercial vehicles

A vintage commercial vehicle show will celebrate 100 years of Morris commercial vehicles alongside a showcase of vintage work vehicles. The British Motor Museum’s Classic and Vintage Commercial Show will feature hundreds of pre-2003 commercial vehicles, including trucks, vans and pick-ups, making it one of the largest shows of its kind in Europe.

Enthusiasts will descend on Gaydon to see light trucks from Austin, Bedford and Dodge, to heavier trucks from AEC, ERF and Leyland Trucks.

There will also be the obligatory Ford Transit – a van so popular that it has long been a generic name for any large van on British roads.

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This year’s show also marks 100 years of Morris commercial vehicles. Built in Birmingham and later at Bathgate in Scotland, many of the engines powering these classic vehicles were built at the Morris Engine Works in Gosford St.

The building is now part of Coventry University.

Although the brand folded in the mid-1970s, variations of the J-Type van design found their way into later British commercial vehicles, including the LDV Pilot and Convoy vans, which were produced until 2005.

And that’s not the end of Morris Commercial’s story. An Evesham-based start-up is hoping to bring the brand back, with a new all-electric JE van which it aims to go into production next year.

During the weekend, a large autojumble related to commercial vehicles will sell vehicle parts, photos, brochures, models and other items.

Inside the museum building, there will also be two sizable indoor model shows, with over 160 tables featuring kit and model commercial vehicles and scratch-built landscapes.

British Motor Museum exhibition manager Tom Carew described the show in a statement as “not to be missed”.

He added: “Whether you’re a commercial vehicle fan, have an interest in vintage history or want to see commercial vehicles that were on the road in their youth, then this show is for you.”

The show will run June 8-9, and camping is available for those who want to make a weekend of it.

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