1974 Peugeot J7 2.1 Diesel For Sale

For sale: ‘Dolly’ the Peugeot J7 butcher’s van, 2.1 diesel.
1974, left hand drive. Originally from southern France, near the Pyrenees, selling chickens and eggs in local markets. Imported to the UK in around 2011, stored but not used, then sold to myself in 2020.
It has been well maintained and used to serve pizzas at weddings and other events over three summers around York and Leeds.
The van has some rust issues around the sills, which have been sanded, re primed and re sprayed. I could not get an exact colour match, so you can tell when looking closely. I did not want to respray the whole van because it would have spoilt the lovely original paint, and I needed to take it to events.
I have kept it road worthy because I always wanted to drive it to events, so it has had annual services, is MOT and Tax exempt. I have registered it in the UK, but still have the original French plates, but it has been fitted with period UK plates.
It had new tyres, headlamps (reconditioned) in 2021, new choke and stop cables, re-skimmed cylinder head, engine mounts fixing, new oil and filter, reconditioned alternator and new battery in 2023.
The engine is naturally aspirated, so being a diesel, is not fast – 50mph max. This has never been an issue for me, as it is so much fun to drive.
The interior cab needs minor work to some switches and electrics: The speedometer/mileometer does not work, the headlights need realigning, but work ok on main beam. There is a little damage to the dashboard, which was like it when I bought the van. a small tear to the headlining (2 inch rip).
It did not come with any keys, so would need to be kept in a secure place. Replacement barrels can be sought.
The gears work fine and are consummate with what you would expect of a 49 year old van.
The brakes work well, but would benefit from an overhaul.
The rear area is in great condition and is very original and clean. It has been updated with modern UK electrical sockets. Fuse box is in the front, with connection cable for 240V.
Two sinks provide hot and cold running water. There is plenty of storage and very large refrigerated display, which extends to full length under counter refrigerated storage. This is really useful for mobile catering, and the van has been in huge demand for weddings due to the authenticity and stunning looks.
The hatch opens and closes via a simple mechanism to the left of the inside of the hatch. A great piece of design which raises the hatch and simultaneously lowers a serving ledge.
This is a charismatic and unique van, an alternative to all the other old catering vans, but it drives, as most are trailered to events.
It is ready to use as a catering unit for any type of food and drinks. I converted it by fitting a platform to the rear for my pizza oven. The platform can be included free of charge if you want.
It could also form the basis for a lovely camper van project, as many J7s are. I couldn’t bear to mess with Dolly, as she is so original.
I have held a dream to take her on a road trip back to her old farm, which still exists, in Southern France, but it is a reluctant sale, as I now run a café and I need to focus on that.
The van is located at my mother’s house in Pocklington, East Riding of Yorkshire. Any viewings are welcome, as you’ll appreciate, you need to see her in the metal to appreciate the van, and if it’s right for you.