Del Boy’s van to be sold for
A RELIANT Regal used by Del Boy in Only Fools And Horses is set to sell for a “lovely jubbly” sum.
The 1968 three-wheeler used in the 2002 Christmas special will go under the hammer on November 11.
Although the sale would not make Rodney and Del Boy millionaires, experts expect it to sell for about £15,000.
The yellow three-wheeler – with “Trotters Independent Trading Co” emblazoned on the side – was driven by actors Sir David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst around the glitzy roads of Monaco 15 years ago.
And despite Del Boy declaring that “that van wouldn’t reach 70 if you pushed it off a cliff”, it was taken on the London to Brighton veteran car rally in 2001 and 2004.
Nick Whale, managing director at Silverstone Auctions, said: “Del Boy’s Reliant Regal is one of the most distinctive cars of BBC comedy history.
“Only Fools And Horses has a fan base spanning several generations and is something of a British treasure, so to have the van from the series for auction is a real treat which will no doubt draw the crowds.”
One of the entertainment world’s most recognisable vehicles comes complete with a tiger-print interior, personalised rubber foot mats and a roof rack.
The van still has a smoke machine prop that emits black fumes from the exhaust. A “Tax in Post” window notice and a pair of furry dice hanging from the rear-view mirror are also included.
The van is fitted with a 600cc engine, which gives it a 0-60mph time of 25 seconds and a top speed of just 75mph.
The current mileage is 71,778 but it has been driven only 30 miles over the past 10 years. It comes with its original owner’s handbook, an MOT certificate until June 2018 and letters from the BBC that confirm the Reliant’s authenticity.
The van is being sold at the NEC in Birmingham.
Sir David’s memoirs, Only Fools And Stories, went on sale earlier this month.