A 1940s light delivery vehicle – known as the ‘Tri-van’ – has been restored to full working order and takes pride of place at the Lakeland Motor Museum.
It is the sole surviving example of the 1949 Tri-Van, designed to combine the storage capacity of a small van with the low running costs of a motorcycle for small parcel deliveries and collections.
VINTAGE: The Tri-Van also acted an as effective taxi (The LDV 1950)
Originally built by Turner Manufacturing Ltd of Wolverhampton - but sold under the brand name Light Delivery Vehicles - the Museum bought the vehicle at auction and had it restored locally.
The Tri-Van was re-built in Greenodd and re-painted in Ambleside.
It has a two-stroke 168cc engine and three speed gearbox.
Bill Bewley, Director at the Lakeland Motor Museum, says, “One of the strengths of our collection has always been the vast array of more unusual or unique items, such as the Tri-Van.
“It is genuinely something which can’t be seen anywhere else and helps bring a slice of our history and heritage back to life.
“Although we have no specific plans to ride the Tri-Van out on the road, it is in full working order and could potentially be used on a public highway.
ENGINE: The parts of the Tri-Van (The LDV 1950)
“That would definitely be a sight for sore eyes!”
Chris Lowe, Manager at the Museum, adds, “The Tri-Van is part of a trio of vehicles, which also included a ‘By-van’ and a Rixi model with room for two passengers.
“Together they completed a 2000 mile run from Land’s End to John O’Groats in 1950, but as far as we know, very few were ever sold.
“We’d love to hear from anyone who has memories of the vehicles or was originally involved in working on them.”
This unusual vehicle is part of a unique collection of 30,000 exhibits, including 150 classic cars and motorbikes, all carefully assembled over 60 years.
Star exhibits include the Isle of Man TT Tribute Exhibition and the Campbell Bluebird Exhibition.
With the Museum now re-opened to the public, people can book their Lakeland Motor Museum visits for Spring and Summer, with online tickets currently available between 17 May and 31 August 2021 at: www.lakelandmotormuseum.co.uk
Individuals and their bubble groups must book their visit in advance and entry times will be staggered at 15-minute intervals to ensure that social distancing can be respected.
The museum is welcoming back visitors to see their new collection of vintage and high class machines and vehicles.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here