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.
If you don’t get the van, don’t worry. Free Car Mag showed you how to get Maggie Smith’s unique look in Issue 24.
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.
