Bernie and Heidi

Gladys

1971 Commer PB Wanderer

I have always been interested in Rootes cars I even learnt to drive in a Superminx (a long time ago Heidi said). In my driving career I have owned several Imps, Hunters, Sceptres and of cause the Superminx. We both have been interested in Classic car (Heidi’s tendency dare I say VW).

When we decided to buy a camper I put my foot down saying we need to get one with a proper engine, been a Rootes fan, the Commer was the perfect Camper.

On a cold & damp April evening in 2008 I was surfing ebay and came across a MkII Jag for sale. Under the advert was a list of several other vehicles coming up for sale one of which was Gladys. We emailed and ask for photos and the price.

He was asking £800 and sent the photos. As soon as Heidi saw her she shouted “I am having her”. When I phoned and asked about Gladys. I was told that she was owned along with other vehicles by a man in Norfolk who died 15 years ago and had left them to the local dogs’ home. His family disputed this and they were all put into storage while the courts decided their fate. 15 years later the storage bill was more then they were worth, so the court give permission for them all to be sold.

We paid £800 + £200 delivery and on the 21 st of April 2008 she was delivered without keys but had the V5 and a full receipt.

I cleaned the carb & distributor, added new plugs, points, battery & exhaust, and changed the oil and the first turn of the screwdriver she sprang into life the first time in 15 Years.

Gladys sounded as sweet as a Commer should. I spent the next couple of weeks freeing the brakes and greasing the steering and a little welding, while Heidi did a top job cleaning the inside and out.

On the 15 th May 2008 I took her for the MOT and she past ☺ we taxed her and she was on the road. The following week we took her to Tatton Park Classic Car Show and she’s been to many more since all over the country.

In April 2010 we started her long awaited refurb replacing the fluted sills and an all over respray.

In April 2011 we took the elevating roof off and replaced the rotten timber with new, repainted it, fitted new hinges and now it is as good as new.