An iconic 1970s ice cream van is on the market.
The 1977 Bedford CF Cummins operated from 1977 to 1998 in Keighley before entering long-term storage.
It is now up for sale at £4,495 on eBay.
'A rare survivor of the golden age'
The online seller, by the name of MrWhippy, describes it as genuine and untouched - a rare survivor from the golden age of British ice cream vans.
He told the T&A that Antonia Crowley, known locally as Mrs Tony, originally owned the van.
Mrs Crowley moved from Italy to Keighley in 1960, where she met her husband, Anthony, who came from Newcastle.
Antonia Crowley — known as Mrs Tony — pictured on her rounds (Image: Keighley News)
Mrs Crowley said she fancied “a different kind of job” when she came to England.
The Italian-born grandmother, now in her 90s, retired nearly two decades ago after 40 years serving Keighley’s streets, including Guard House, Bracken Bank and Fell Lane.
In 2008 she told the Keighley News: "I have absolutely loved my job. I have worked most days but if I fancied a rest on one of them my customers would let me off, they would still come and buy ice creams from me the next day."
Her legendary status has even inspired a Facebook group called ‘Keighley legend Mrs Tony (ice cream queen)’.
Here it is in all its glory on a sunny day (Image: mrwhippy - eBay seller)
'Really takes you back to the 70s era'
Built by S.C. Cummins Coachbuilders of Crewe on a Bedford CF1 chassis, the van still has its original 1970s blue counters, balloon-man interior and six-lid holdover freezer.
The seller said: "I've not seen a van that has retained all its original colour like this van.
"Super special and really takes you back to the 70s era."
It's so cool!
The drinks chiller, shelving and Cummins badge remain intact, as do twin hot-and-cold sinks and serving windows on both sides.
What a tasteful ceiling
The van does not currently run, but the seller believes a starter motor or solenoid repair, servicing, fresh fuel and other work could bring it back to life.
A vintage poster still intact
The refrigeration unit has been removed, but the seller describes the body and chassis as solid and corrosion-free.
What a gem
The Cummins-built Bedford CF is said to be far rarer than the more common Morrison-bodied models.
The seller says restoring it would be a fitting tribute to its original owners, Mr and Mrs Tony, who ran the van for more than 20 years.
Inside the bonnet
The listing describes the van as "as genuine and untouched as a Bedford CF Ice Cream van from the 1970s gets."
MrWhippy added that it remains a "really simple and easy restoration for anyone wanting to own a piece of British ice cream history."
The van will need towing to its new owner
He admits that the van could become a street-food truck, bar or even a brand, but believes that would be "a great shame" and would rather see it restored as an ice-cream van.
Exempt from tax and MOT
The listing says the van is exempt from tax and MOT because of its age; it also has its original Cummins badge and a rear compartment for a generator, battery pack or condensing unit.
It looks in fairly good nick considering its age
Though the van has been kept in dry storage since 1998, and has avoided the rust and rot common in vehicles of its age, all refrigeration and mechanical systems need recommissioning.
The van must also leave by trailer or recovery truck.
Original Cummins badge
The listing concludes: "The van deserves restoring and to go to a good home which will continue to get it appreciated for the true gem it really is."
Can you see yourself taking on a DIY project?
This van could be yours for just under 4.5k
The listing’s photos show the unrestored van, alongside example images of similar models showing how it could look after refurbishment.
Viewings are available by appointment and the seller will consider offers.
Have a nostalgic story to share? Email freya.thomson@newsquest.co.uk.