THE THAMES 400E – THE LIGHT COMMERCIAL WITH STYLE

One of the finest sales films of all time is Bandwagon, commissioned by Ford to promote the new Thames 400E and starring the Cy Laurie Jazz Band. Here was a light commercial for all hep cats (daddio), although playing trombone while behind the wheel would have been frowned on even in 1958.

And this 1964 400E Minibus, sold by Andrew Hardy Classics - is a reminder of how radical the latest Thames appeared on its launch in November 1957. The outgoing Thames E83W dated back to 1938, was powered by a 1,172cc engine, had transverse leaf springs fore and aft, and was capable of 0-30 mph in just over 15 seconds. When Bedford introduced the CA in 1952, it made the E83W look antique, and so Ford’s Thames commercial vehicle division was in urgent need of a rival. 

Compared with its predecessor, the 400E’s lines looked highly contemporary - its lines were reminiscent of the Detroit Ford Econoline - and it shared a 1,703cc engine with the Consul Mk. II. The transmission was a three-speed box, with a steering column lever and synchromesh on second and top gears. Buyers had an initial choice of standard van, ‘Chassis and Cab, ‘Chassis and Front Panel’, ‘Chassis and Front Panel with Cab Fittings’, Estate Car and Microbus.

Your friendly local Thames dealer could also tell you about the 400E’s independent front coil springs, excellent turning circle, and forward-control driving position.  Not to mention the very ‘Late 1950s’ semi-ribbon speedometer. The 400E was sold in primer form, with Black, blue, fawn, green, grey, ivory, red, or yellow paint finishes available at an extra cost.

Commercial Motor wrote: “Full forward control has contributed in large measure to the provision of 180 cu. ft. of body space in the standard van, but the inclusion of a passenger seat - optional equipment on models for the home market - reduces this by 10 cu. ft.”. Meanwhile, Dagenham emphasised how the 400E was a light commercial to drive its operator “Towards quicker profits”, and HMV, Rank Xerox, Weetabix and Whitbread were just a few of many business users. As Ford boasted: “Just think how good YOUR trading title would look on that sleek, shining side panel!”.

Dealers could further point out that the 400E’s ladder chassis made it the ideal base for a number of specialist conversions: mobile shops, gown vans, ice cream vans, fire appliances, and ambulances. There were also motor caravans and a variety of minibuses. Martin Walter offered the ‘Utilabrake Farmer’s Model’ with ‘2 longitudinal wooden seats with PVC backrests’, and the ‘Utilabus PSV’ with a heater and a first aid kit as standard. 

By 1961, Ford introduced a Perkins diesel engine option, and in 1963, the 400E was available with the four-speed gearbox from the new Zephyr Mk. III.  In March 1965, the final 400Es lost their Thames badge just before the debut of their Transit successor that October. 187,000 units departed the factory, and this Andrew Hardy minibus is a reminder of when a van could be sold with “That Engine Will Send You!”. 

Plus, “Dig That 35 Foot Turning Circle!”

With thanks to Andrew Hardy from Hardy Classics - for his time.

With thanks to Andrew Hardy for his permission to use the pictures in this blog.