Originally listed as T/Cab, with James White (?), Ringwood, Hants (?) as an early owner.
Reported as being in an EBay auction, Spring 2003, for sale near Hull. Still green, but "originally white – was it a UN vehicle?". Highly unlikely!
Early in 2004 I had the following email:
My name is "Katy", named (I presume) from the b/w film "Ice Cold in Alex". I am registered SXF 603 and am garaged in Hertfordshire. I am lovingly cared for and enjoy being used whenever possible. I am the envy of my owner's wife who eyes me with suspicion.
My preferred cosmetic colour is green although in places I have white and on most panels blue (RAF?) paint coming through. I am a tilt although I prefer to be driven open and have my windscreen flat.
My owner has had my brakes completely overhauled, new universal joints, and a full engine rebuild (irrespective of cost) within the past few months. My chassis, although 47 years old, is firm and solid. One day I will need new rubber under my w/screen and around my vents. I could do with a total rewire sometime in the next few years. I would look prettier with a new canvas.
I am as honest as the day is long. I am not for sale. I give huge amounts of pleasure as I am not pristine, nor do I wish to be. I am often used to do light work which justifies my owner's expenditure with Alan my local mechanic (who sadly prefers Rangies) and Jim (an understanding Series II follower). Some teenagers love to drive me and be driven to the local town on warm sunny days.
I asked Blaise Morris if he knew his vehicle was sending emails to strange men. He replied:
Yes, I bought SXF 603 off eBay, sight unseen... a really charming vendor. He had not had her long and I suspect he realised 603 was going to cost too much to keep on the road. Nonetheless he was very, very sorry to see her go.
Regarding the engine, someone (I imagine sometime back) put in a petrol 2.25. [Original engine number has been given in LRSOC Register as 111783361, which I believe is correct for a 2.0. — Webmaster] This is engine I have had completely rebuilt. Judging by the work required I suspect it was a very early one as it was completely worn out. The odometer reads 67450 approx and I reckon this mileage is true to the car based upon overall condition of the chassis/bulkhead. The interior appears wholly original including the (1926?) fire extinguisher (which doesn't work!). Log book shows reg date as 15/5/57.
I had another look at the paint. I am no expert but from what I can see either SXF 603 was originally blue (similar to RAF) or a combination of blue and white (ie. bonnet/bulkhead upper font wings white with front/rear side wings in blue). Certain it has nothing to do with the UN. I am almost certain 603 has always been a tilt and not a cab, but I would bow to those with superior knowledge. There are holes in rear o/s wing behind drivers door. [which would indicate S/Top]
Details on brass plate screwed onto inner n/s wing:
SXF 603
CHASSIS NO 111701350
CLASS OF REPAIR S/REP
DATE 3/57
MTRS B399
[To add (or alter) information on this page, please contact me on sxf@teeafit.co.uk.]