Meet Boris, companion to Morris; just four owners from new; always in light regular use; restored about 25 years ago; nice original number plateBuilt in an era when Great Britain was powered not by sleek lithium-ion batteries but by lukewarm tea, the Morris 5cwt Van was introduced in 1938 to meet the growing demand for reliable, economical transport for tradesmen, small businesses and major fleets alike.

Officially known as the Series-Z, it was built on the platform of the popular Morris Eight Series E saloon with a light timber-framed rear body, a fabric top and twin rear doors that allowed easy access to cargo.Under the swooping ‘alligator’ bonnet sat a 918cc engine producing 29bhp, mated to a three-speed gearbox.

While it certainly wasn’t fast, with plenty of low-end torque and admirable economy and reliability, the Morris 5cwt was the backbone of British commerce, rattling along cobbled city streets delivering the nation’s goods with stoic fidelity.Production continued throughout...