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For an expert opinion on our vans we turned to George Alexander, Commercial Vehicle editor of Glass's Guide...
Page 53
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Ignoring the trials and tribulations of how each van found its way to the test day, I've assessed them purely on how they were presented. These are not trade values, because such vans are worth no more than a couple of hundred pounds in part-exchange to dealers. They would have no interest in selling such old stock, as it would be too much work and hassle to make even a small profit. However, in the current upbeat marketplace where there is a customer for every serviceable CV, each of these vans would attract a surprisingly healthy return if put into an auction sale.
The clear winner is the Leyland Daf 200, with the Midi taking the runner-up slot and the Renault Master bringing up the rear. The Leyland's red Royal Mall livery ensured it could not hide its previous role, yet this handicap was more than compensated for by the fact that it shone through as a 'genuine van' with plenty life left in it. If maintained properly. it could work for a couple more years, needing few compromises to be made for its age.
The Midi was dented, with rust gaining several footholds on a paint job that made even Royal Mail's red look desirable and a petrol engine with a column gearchange for good measure. However, in all other respects, it was the type of van that would generate plenty of interest. It drove well, had a tidy cab and load area with a tailgate that might attract buyers. This van, despite being the oldest, would benefit least from further preparation, yet could probably give 12 months of light service at an attractively low cost.
If the Renault were to be given the lavish preparation that had been applied to half the Leyland, I would expect it to prove the most valuable at auction. I suspect that 48 hours of toil would lift its value to perhaps £1,150. Currently. despite an engine that sounded sweeter as the tests continued, it would scare off any builder looking fora cheap, reliable, van.
On the open market, I believe the Leyland Dat 200 could fetch £850; the Vauxhall M idi £750 and the Renault, E650. Potentially, each contestant made a profit and can now officially consider themselves ncnbers of Her Majesty's motor trade.