Del Boy's Van to be Sold in Chiswick

Your chance to buy the Famous Yellow Three Wheeler

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	Chiswick House Friends

The three-wheeler Reliant Regal Supervan III, originally owned by the creator of Only Fools and Horses, John Sullivan, is set to be the star attraction at the Coys classic car sale in Chiswick House Grounds on July 3rd.  

Despite being over thirty years old, the van is expected to fetch more than £20,000 at the auction because of its celebrity status.  

Built in Tamworth, Staffordshire, the van has had three owners since 1971, when Sullivan bought it.   Said to be Sullivan's inspiration to award Del Boy such an unglamorous but apt company car, it has just 45,000 miles on the clock and still has its original fibre-glass chassis. The low powered engine, also the real McCoy, can still struggle to 50 mph when not back-firing.

The van, expected to generate a great deal of interest will, at least for the day, be returning to its old manor. Nelson Mandela House, supposedly the crowning glory of a dodgy estate in Peckham, is actually the Harlech Tower in Park Road, Acton.    However, filming in this location ceased in 1988 when it became difficult due to the constant mobbing of the actors.

Only Fools and Horses was recently voted Britain's Best Sitcom and this little yellow van, synonymous with the cushty Trotter brothers should provide auction goers and comedy fans alike with a truly cosmic trip down memory lane.   

April 21, 2004