A 1957 Bedford CA van, that starred in the awarding winning film ‘The Lady in the Van’ with Dame Maggie Smith, will be auctioned by Silverstone Auctions at this year’s Practical Classics Restoration and Classic Car Show on Sunday 6th March at the NEC, Birmingham.
The van is one of two specially prepared and cosmetically distressed for the film to mimic the true story of Miss Mary Shepherd, who resided in a Bedford CA van on Alan Bennett’s driveway for over 10 years. The van is featured extensively throughout the film and is even painted by Dame Maggie on camera. In addition, it features on the promotional poster of this classic piece of British cinematography directed by the National Theatre’s Nicholas Hytner.
Speaking in advance of the sale, managing director of Silverstone Auctions, Nick Whale, said, “We’re excited to be offering a piece of British cinema history at our sale which, paired with the appeal of the Bedford van to classic collectors, makes for a very exciting and unique opportunity for our customers.”
Having had restoration works prior to filming the van is in good working order and now boasts very special paintwork, hand-painted by Maggie Smith herself. It is offered for sale next month and is estimated at between £9,000 and £12,000.
The restoration of the van included an engine rebuild and it presents today in good working order with rust free bodywork and the 3-speed manual transmission and electrics reported to be in good working order.
This early Bedford is not only an important piece of film history but also an increasingly sought after classic British van. As an early split-screen example, with its two opening rear doors and sliding front doors, the Bedford CA is a rare sight on our roads nowadays, despite being the mainstay utility vehicle of the period.
First introduced in 1952, the Bedford CA was a light delivery van built on a separate chassis with production continuing through to 1969. The chassis allowed specialist bodywork to be fitted such as the Dormobile and Campervan conversions and was offered in either short or long wheelbase.
The van will be auctioned at the NEC, Birmingham, alongside 70 classic cars and restoration projects.
The van featured in “The Lady in the Van” staring Dame Maggie Smith will be auctioned at this year’s Practical Classics Restoration and Classic Car Show on Sunday 6th March at the NEC. The van is featured extensively throughout the film and is even painted by Dame Maggie on camera. The van is one of two specially prepared and cosmetically distressed for the film to mimic the true story of Miss Mary Shepherd, who resided in a Bedford CA van on Alan Bennett’s driveway for over 10 years. Due to restoration works prior to filming the van is in good working order and is estimated at between £9,000 and £12,000.
