The AA's 'Del Boy' Challenge
AA patrols restore a Reliant Supervan at Beaulieu Autojumble
16 September 2008
A team of AA patrols was in three-wheel heaven last weekend (13-14 September) as they challenged themselves to restore Peckham's finest, a Reliant Supervan three-wheeler, from a wreck to a pristine full livery AA patrol vehicle.
The crack team had only two days at the Beaulieu International Autojumble to strip and repaint the bodywork, apply period AA livery, repair the chassis and suspension and then get it running.
In 1965, the AA had a Reliant van on trial to see if it was suitable for the breakdown service, but it was never adopted. Nevertheless, since the vehicle was out on operational duty, it was fully liveried and carried all the normal patrol equipment and a two-way radio.
Uncle Albert, otherwise known as AA patrol Andy McMorran, says: "We had to work round the clock to get it finished but we're always game for a challenge. It's one of those iconic British vehicles that makes everyone smile, so it will make a great addition to our historical fleet – just so long as members don't start demanding we bring it back as an operational patrol van!"
The AA bought the vehicle for the challenge for £500, and after its restoration, it will go on loan to a museum in Dover. As well as the Reliant, the patrols were also displaying several of the AA's 30-strong fleet of historical patrol vehicles – representing the breakdown service over the decades – and are collecting donations for BEN, the motor and allied trades benevolent fund.
Cushty.
For information on the Beaulieu International Autojumble, please visit:
http://www.beaulieu.co.uk/events-internationalautojumble.cfm
The finished vehicle
Other products & services
Related information
16 September 2008