Lovely jubbly! One of the original three-wheeled Reliant Regal Supervans that Del Boy drove in Only Fools And Horses goes up for auction
- Reliant Regal Supervan III dates back to 1972 and was bought by BBC when the classic comedy began in 1981
- Van was one of six used during 22 years the show ran for; similar ones previously fetched as much as £37,000
- Not known which specific episodes it featured in but is thought to have been used during the first two series
- Included in sale is fluffy dice, a 'Tax in Post' sign in windscreen, and roof rack holding market trader's suitcase
- An inflatable doll in the boot pays homage to episode 'Danger UXD', which originally aired in 1989 - and concerns Del Boy trying to flog a batch of faulty blow-up sex dolls One of the original three-wheeled vans used in Only Fools And Horses has emerged for sale at auction.
The instantly recognisable Reliant Regal Supervan III dates back to 1972 and was bought by the BBC when the classic comedy began in 1981.
The yellow van was one of a fleet of six used during the 22 years the show ran for.
It is not known which specific episodes it featured in but is thought to have been used during the first two series, which included the famous 'chandelier' episode A Touch Of Glass, which first aired in 1982.
The van's bodywork has been painted to appear scuffed and it has the words 'New York, Paris, Peckham' and 'Trotters Independent Traders' emblazoned on the side.
One of the original three-wheeled vans used in Only Fools And Horses has emerged for sale at auction. The Reliant Regal Supervan III dates back to 1972 and was bought by the BBC when the classic comedy began in 1981
The yellow van was one of a fleet of six used during the 22 years the show ran for. It is not known which specific episodes it featured in but is thought to have been used in the first two series, which included the famous 'chandelier' episode A Touch Of Glass, which first aired in 1982
Included in the sale is fluffy dice, a 'Tax in Post' sign in the windscreen, and a roof rack holding a market trader's suitcase
Despite regularly being the butt of jokes, the van proved to be incredibly reliable, surviving the rigours of long filming days. Pictured (l to r), Buster Merryfield (as Uncle Albert), David Jason (Del Boy) and Nicholas Lyndhurst (Rodney) in the show
Included in the sale is fluffy dice, a 'Tax in Post' sign in the windscreen, and a roof rack holding a market trader's suitcase - along with Del Boy's favoured tiger-print interior.
There is also an inflatable doll in the boot, paying homage to one of the most popular episodes, 'Danger UXD', which originally aired in 1989 - and concerns Del Boy trying to flog a batch of faulty blow-up sex dollsDespite regularly being the butt of jokes, the van proved to be incredibly reliable, surviving the rigours of long filming days.
Crew members were even able to drive it long distances when shooting away on location.
There is also an inflatable doll in the boot, paying homage to one of the most popular episodes, 'Danger UXD', which originally aired in 1989 - and concerns Del Boy trying to flog a batch of faulty blow-up sex dolls
The van includes Del Boy's favoured tiger-print interior. The auctioneers have not given the van an official estimate but other ones from the show have previously fetched as much as £37,000
The van's bodywork has been painted to appear scuffed and it has the words 'New York, Paris, Peckham' and 'Trotters Independent Traders' emblazoned on the side
When the show ended after the Christmas special in 2003, the van was sold off and it has spent the last six years with an enthusiast.
It is now on the market with Silverstone Auctions of Ashorne, Warwickshire.
The auctioneers have not given the van an official estimate but other ones from the show have previously fetched as much as £37,000.
Gary Dunne, sales manager at Silverstone Auctions, said: 'This is one of half a dozen original Reliants that featured over the 22-year span of Only Fools And Horses, and the second which we have had the honour of selling.
'Going under the hammer in our first sale of 2021, this will certainly be one of the star cars in the sale.
'It is a great opportunity to own a slice of British comedy history. To anyone considering buying this, our message would be: Cushty, you know it makes sense.'
The sale takes place on March 5.
The stars of the show pose for the 1981 Christmas special, including, right, Lennard Pearce, who played Grandad
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