Ford Thames 307E
The Thames 307E is a small panel van launched by Ford UK in June 1961 and based on the recently introduced Ford Anglia 105E. It replaced the Thames 300E and, like its predecessor it was marketed as the Thames 5 cwt or the Thames 7 cwt van. These names defined, in Imperial measurements, the recommended maximum load weights (approximately equivalent to 250 and 350 kg respectively) of the vehicles. Advertised load space was 73 cubic feet (2,100 L) including 12 cubic feet (340 L) beside the driver.
| Thames 307E | |
|---|---|
1962 Thames 307E 5 cwt van | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Ford UK |
| Production | 1961–1967 |
| Assembly | United Kingdom |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | two-door panel van |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Thames 300E |
| Successor | Ford Escort Van |
The vans were introduced with a specially developed "commercial version" of the Anglia 105E engine, applying a compression ratio of 7.5:1 or, as an option, 8.9:1. The four speed gear box also came from the latest Anglia. The 5 and 7 cwt versions could be distinguished from the front by differing grill treatments. The base version had a grill of painted horizontal slats similar to that on the basic Anglia while the 7 cwt featured a full-width bright-meshed metal grill reminiscent of the Anglia deluxe.
Left hand drive export versions of the 307E were designated Thames 308E. The Anglia name was used for certain export markets.