J/R 4875 the ex John Beaton van #1 after making an 1800 kilometre (1125 mile) journey from Victoria to Queensland last Easter has been to the ‘exfoliant beautician’ (sandblasters) and is now ready for some metal work.  Michael Freeman, who owned Kelly Ashton’s ex Lorraine Dry Cleaners J type in his youth has started this project with the intention of doing it once, doing it well.  The only way to approach long term restoration. This van, which has an original steel floor and early shock absorber mountings is set to be a great addition to the almost 50 known J types in Australia.  We will be watching this project closely.

Peter Bateman