The car-derived van was once a common sector and most of the main manufacturers produced a panel van in their range. Certain countries had tax-saving incentives for small commercials, but often instead of creature comforts, where radios and headrests were firmly on the options list.
Peugeot had a rich tradition of producing small vans, which continued into the 2000s. The 304 fourgonette (panel van) was only introduced in late 1976 and fitted with the 1.3 XL5 petrol engine, which was shared with the overlapping 305. I suspect this charming little 304 is close to unique in the UK, it was coming to the end of production when it was registered by Patrick Motors of Evesham in late 1979.
Used for delivering parts for the local Peugeot/Talbot dealer, this super little van was on sale via Bonhams at the Beaulieu Autojumble with no reserve. It appears to have had only one owner and is believed to have been put in storage around 1983, which goes some way to explaining how it survived. In need of some form of recommissioning, it did appear to be remarkably solid. In the end, it sold for a healthy £6,325.
