Commer BF - approx value?

SteveL

New Member
Hi all, new member here. I've been offered my old father in laws Commer BF. It's been dry stored for 40 years, it moves and the engine is free, but it needs some serious help.... The rear is coachbuilt as fil ran a hardware store, so there's roller shutter doors and wooden racking, and a paraffin tank - this is what makes it a bit special as its a one off. The front is fairly rotten - wings are patched and holey, A pillars are rotten, and there's dents galore. It is saveable but a fair bit of work. But it is complete.....

What's a good starting value for something like this? Searching ebay and classic car/lorry forums these things never come up for sale, so I'm guessing that fully restored a good one might fetch £10-15k, but as a project maybe £1-2k?
Does that sound right or am I way off?

Thanks
 
Hi Steve and welcome.
BF's are very rare and I don't think we have an example to compare on here. Steve Williams might be able to give some advice as he's the only member I'm aware of that has actually owned one. He's not on here very often but try dropping him a PM and you might get lucky.
 
hi
your values are about right
dont know where you are but mathewsons seem to get decent prices for classic commercials
restoration of a bf is a long complicated job
mechanicals are easy body bits no chance
good luck
a few piccies would be nice
 
Thanks for the guidance Steve. I'll be getting some pics when the van gets pulled out of the barn.
Mathewsons have never sold a BF, although they seem to have sold quite a few other vans and small lorries - mostly usable/restored so their value is a lot higher.
I think with this BF the bodywork that needs attention is the cab - the only bodywork behind the cab is wooden, so I am hoping that it is repairable (I'll need help, but it might allow me to learn how to fabricate and bend/roll/weld steel properly)
 
its the wings inner and outer and bonnet that are the hard ones
floors and doors you can get away with as they are generally flat
door cill /step is always bad. where the bulkhead on both sides meets the inner wing is iffy
once you are ready we can send some piccies of ours so you can compare
dont know where you are but w are in lichfield staffs,always welcome to come and have a look
 
Brilliant- we're near Warwick so not far from you. In reality it will be months before I get started. The bits you mention are bad - I can see a lot of repair panels will need making and welding in.
If only 1950s steel had heard of waxoyl!
 
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