Blog
From the world of J-types…
A bit of a catch-up of what is happening around the globe. J-type progress on more than one continent!
Sydney, Australia again!
Sunday November 1 saw seven J vans attend the Double Bay Fair in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
JuBilation at Doyles on the Beach!
9 working J-type vans drove to the iconic Doyles on the beach on Saturday.
Two Winning Appliances vans, in their new livery, Pipe Perfection’s Number 1 van, Sydney Packaging’s Holden-engined van, the Panania Automotive van, the amazing V8 rat rod owned by the Bellettes, Peter Bateman’s J/B and the recently-completed magnificent Yellow Express van joined Doyles’ own van for a wonderful display and custodian catch-up.
We were joined by Andrew Lynch and his two J van grilles, all the way from Orange, Central NSW.
Our heart-felt gratitude is extended to all the Doyles family and their wonderful staff for hosting an unforgettable day.
J pick-up truck in Australia
Visitors to the Sydney Boat Show this weekend will see a unique sight – a Morris J van utility. This van has been in Tasmania since new and recently arrived in Sydney for a refit. It runs an 1800 Morris B series and an auto box. Chassis number is to be confirmed. It is the promotional vehicle for Aquanami Jet Powered Kayaks and will be seen in the eastern suburbs of Sydney this summer.
J/B van for sale in Australia
A Morris J/B van has been put up for sale on ebay Australia. Click on photo to enlarge.
“Still has original baker boy graphics on sides and back, has 5 unused bread bags with a letter from the original delivery driver. Year is unknown but can be searched up chassis no. 41570. It is complete but not running, lots of spare parts including spare engine block, clutch, pistons, globes, camshaft, water pump, headlight bulbs, two stock rims, j type workshop manual, j type supplementary manual, j.2 manual and lots of bits and bobs. Even has original key still in the ignition. Shows signs of rust all over. Roof very sound, side and door sills would need to be repaired. Message me for viewing please no tire kickers or time wasters. Pick up only cod preferred, please don’t use PayPal due to high fees. Item location Pakenham”
Details can be found at: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/171834679200
Another J new to the Register has also surfaced in Australia in the last week. Photo below, more to follow.
The Australia Day display!
Eight is a momentous number.
Australia Day in Sydney was damp but it did not stop eight J-type vans driving to the annual CARnivale display in Macquarie Street Sydney. The Hyde Park Barracks was the backdrop to a record number of fully road going J-type vans in Australia for many years.
“Mr Baker”, the recently restored van sporting the livery ‘The Upholsterer’, had been in Sydney for a few days, following a seven hour tow from Cobargo on a hot 35C day. It was driven to the display on the chilly, damp Australia Day and was dripping water droplets all day. Its custodians capped off a great day with a concert at the Opera House.
Winning Appliances supplied two of their vans, a J and a J/B. Doyles of Watsons Bay, the famous Sydney restaurant, sent their J/B as did Sydney Packaging and Pipe Perfection Plumbing. J/B 41717, the ex ABBCO Bread van, was there and the Bellette family’s V8 J type Rat Rod kept the crowds captivated all day long.
We were impressed to meet a Welshman who told of driving J-types for the Wales Gas Co and another British holiday maker telling J-type tales of driving J-types for an electricity company in the South East of England. They did not seem to mind the damp conditions and neither did we. It is very noteworthy that every J-van on display has it’s own personality. Every custodian has treated their Jubilant creation individually and the public react with Joy.
That must be why they are called the Morris J van! J for JOY!
Peter Bateman. Sydney January 28, 2015