What does the E stand for?

[Deleted]

I have just got hold of a Viscount Ambassador and by just I mean I haven't even measured the length of the van, it's a tandem with a double bed in the front and two sets of bunks in the rear.
from the brief read I've had both spots for looking for the build date under the table or the cutlery draw are missing but the number welded to the draw bar is 1987E, so does the E have a meaning other than to indicate the van is an Ambassador? 

[Deleted]

Hi there,

We are new to all of this too, having just purchased our first vintage van, so I cannot offer a lot of help. But just thought that I would let you know that there is a Viscount Ambassador on Gumtree at the moment (Central Coast NSW) that has the number E1292. This would indicate to me that they were made about the same time? The guy has it listed as a 1968 model. Might pay to contact him and ask where he gets that date from.

Best of luck
Tinker

[supreme78]

Hi there kybrabos
If you could post some pics you will get a reply realy quick. Some detail might've even help. Like does it have wind out windows roof hatch type what stripes does it have on the side ect. Pic tells a thousand words.
Regards
Paul

[Deleted]

this is the chassis number





Sorry about the night shots, I don't get home in the daytime at the moment.

I'd also like some direction on the correct way to measure the van to be able to say "it's a xxfooter..."

[atefooterz]

Aug 5, 2014 21:12:40 GMT 11 ForumMod said:

Some will say a van length is measured at about a foot above the floor. I've found the method of measuring accurately varies with the brand and model. I usually advise people to measure along the side of the van in line with the bottom of the side windows. That should give you a reasonable approximate length.

cheers,
Al.

[supreme78]

I was told the way to measure the van is the total length of the body section. Some vans have a bum that sticks out and this is to be included in the length. Same as the boot section on the front. My viscount is 16 1/2 foot measured from extremities of the cabin body.
As you can see with my van the bum hangs out and so that is included in the length.
Your van looks like a late 1960 model. I also have a 1971 model and it has straight stripes and they went to them in the early 1970's. I also had a 14 footer that had those stripes than I renovated but I have lost my photos of that van. It was 1969.
I hope my rambling makes sense to you
Regards
Paul

[supreme78]

If you look in the viscount van history section it states second half of 1970 a new logo was added to the vans. Same as your van has so it's second half of 1970 according to viscount history section.

[Deleted]

I was working on it being a 1971 model going off the chassis number starting with a 1...
So does anyone know if the 'E' is related to anything? ie floor layouts, fitout, colours or just a cruel trick by the guy doing the welding so that we'd be tearing our hair out trying to work it out 40 years down the track.