06 March 2024

Spy Van Makes Overt Appearance at Manheim Shepshed in Aid of Alzheimer's Society

Ford Transit 'Spy Van' Sets Charity Auction Record

A rare 1988 Ford Transit, believed to have been used as a surveillance vehicle, raised over £10,000 at a Manheim auction in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society.

1988 Ford Transit Spy Van at auction The unique Ford Transit ‘Spy Van’ restored and prepared for auction.

In May 2017, a very special 1988 Ford Transit Mark 3 went under the hammer at Manheim’s Shepshed van auction centre. Nicknamed the ‘Spy Van’, the vehicle had been fitted out with encrypted radios and covert surveillance equipment, leading many to believe it was once operated by the UK security services.

A restoration with purpose

James Davis, Director of Commercial Vehicles at Manheim, purchased the 48,000-mile van in 2014 and embarked on a meticulous restoration. The project was more than a hobby — it was a fundraising mission for the Alzheimer’s Society. Specialist restorers C Walton Ltd in Leicestershire refitted the van with original 1980s surveillance technology, returning it as closely as possible to its working condition.

The charity auction

On 22 May 2017, bidding opened at £5,000. After competitive offers, the gavel fell at a world record price of £10,300 for a Mk3 Transit. The successful bidder was Mark Scott, a loyal Manheim buyer and enthusiast collector of unusual vans.

“The posts about the project and the Alzheimer’s cause touched me deeply. I set my heart on supporting the effort, and I’m over the moon to be the new owner.” — Mark Scott

Fundraising success

The sale of the van alone raised £10,300, with total fundraising efforts from the project reaching nearly £13,000. Videos of the auction spread quickly online, achieving over half a million views and thousands of shares within 72 hours.

Reflecting on the project, James Davis said:

“The Spy Van project has been an amazing journey. I decided to auction the van off in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society, with the entire sale price being donated to the charity. A huge thanks to everyone involved over the last couple of years, and of course to Mark as the winning bidder.”

The Ford Transit Spy Van story is a powerful example of how an unusual vehicle and an enthusiast’s passion can make a difference, raising both funds and awareness for an important cause.

Interior of Ford Transit Spy Van with surveillance equipment The van was restored with period surveillance equipment, including an encrypted Cougar radio system.

Information courtesy of Maun Motors.

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Ford Transit 'Spy Van' Sets Charity Auction Record

A restoration with purpose

The charity auction

Fundraising success

DPFs What Drivers Need to Know About Diesel Particulate Filters

Driving in Central London

Built-in Racking and Shelving

Plywood Lining Your Van

Air Conditioning in Vans & Commercial Vehicles

Buying a Van with High Mileage

Branding Your Van

Steve's Dream Machine

Financial Conduct Authority

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