Thursday 7 June 2012

Return of white van man

My works transit van finally gave up the ghost this week and so today I'm collecting my new one. The stereotype white van man is a much derided character in Britain and I suppose as with most stereotypes much of what is said and written is true. It is also true that without the myriad tradesmen scurrying about the land in their clapped out vans not much would ever be delivered,fixed or built. I know there are lots of cowboys out there but the backbone of many industries including that of building is the sole traders that supply much of the mundane services that keep the wheels turning. Many of the subies that arrive onsite here daily drive their own white vans but I have noticed some of them fall victim to one upmanship in the van stakes. Driving a new Mercedes van may be a pleasure but after throwing in a ton of rubble and assorted tools I think all vans are pretty much alike with the only difference being price. My old transit vans usually cost about £20 a week over their lifespan....a resounding bargain don't you think?

5 comments:

Tim Leatherbarrow said...

Ah old rockers sell their guitars and buy white vans, what would that angry young man've said?

Electro-Kevin said...

Yes. A bargain. Motoring can be really cheap.

Vinogirl said...

It needs a new red cross on the bonnet.

Affer said...

There have been loads of vans over the years: Bedford CF, Karrier (nee Dodge and later Renault) 50 series, LDV (nee Leyland).....all complete rubbish compared to the Transit!

The good old Tranny was (in my opinion) the first van that drove like a car.......had two, loved them both!

NotClauswitz said...

You have vans because of the rain, we have pickup trucks because of the drought - but guys in a band need a van because concealment is the firts part of theft prevention. :-)