The recent launch of the Dad’s Army film has raised the profile of everything to do with the platoon from Walmington-on-Sea, including Corporal Jones’ van. The 1935 Ford BB van made regular appearances in the original Dad’s Army series and also featured in the new film.

The van outside one of the original buildings at Ford’s Dagenham plant.

It was, however, in need of some TLC. Before taking up residence at the Dad’s Army Museum in Thetford, Norfolk, BUC 852 spent some quality time in Ford’s heritage workshops at Dagenham — where this van would have been built when new.

The Dad’s Army Ford BB van leaving Thetford en route to Dagenham for some TLC.

Helped by a platoon of Ford apprentices, the firm’s heritage vehicle technicians completely rebuilt the engine, replaced the clutch and fitted new wiring looms.

The Dad’s Army van being worked on by a Ford apprentice.

As can be seen from the pictures, the van had already enjoyed a major cosmetic restoration. It’s now in full working order as well, making it a relatively rare item.

Stuart Wright, from the Dad’s Army Museum in Thetford, said:

“This vehicle has a special place in British entertainment history, and is enjoyed by the many visitors to the Dad’s Army museum. It’s fantastic to see the van operational again and we hope it will capture the imagination of the younger visitors less familiar with Dad’s Army, as well as triggering happy memories for the older generations.”

The original Dad’s Army television series ran from 1968 to 1977, and “BUC 852”, the van’s registration, made its screen debut on 11th September 1969 in the first colour episode. This month it appears in the big-screen version of Dad’s Army with stars including Sir Tom Courtenay, Toby Jones, Bill Nighy, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Sir Michael Gambon.