In real life, the Morris J2 15cwt small forward control commercial van was launched by BMC in 1956 and alongside its ‘twin’ the Austin J2, continued in production until 1967, representing BMC’s first unitary-construction vans. Prices started at £554 in 1956, with a mini bus version slightly more expensive.
Oxford tooling on the J2 has provided for the Paralanian modification which also has an interesting real-life back story. The Paralanian was a luxury caravan built by Bradford based Central Garage who manufactured the motor caravan between 1956 and 1965 using new Morris, Austin and Commer chassis supplied by BMC. The camper van was named the Paralanian after Parry Lane, the home of Central Garage’s premises.
Our model is registered 343 BDL, based on an authentic vehicle dating from 1963. It is decorated in the light and breezy colour scheme of sage green and pale ivory with a white roof and a sage green central band running along the sides and round the back of the van. The Morris badge sits neatly in the recess above the distinctive body coloured radiator grille and external trim is finished in both black and silver. The blanked out side and rear living quarter windows feature a slatted ventilation effect and the happy campers entered the vehicle via a door at the back. We’re sure they all had a very jolly time!
