David Trenchard from Britannia Leatherbarrows sent in these two contrasting photos. The earlier one is of a Model T Ford supplied to his family's old business in about 1930.

The picture shows David’s uncle Bert Trenchard (left) who was about 16 in this photo with his father, David’s grandfather, Victor William Trenchard.  The bodywork was done by a local Bournemouth Coachbuilder and was the first Luton van built locally.
 
“I have always been amused by the general use and reference to a Luton van and these nowadays are generally applied to the 3.5t hire vans,” said David. “The 'Luton' refers to the space over the cab which was utilised to gain van space, until 'Lutons' were incorporated all vans were box vans (or tunnel vans).
 
David’s grandfather started his business in 1919 after demobilisation from active duty in WW1.  David said that he was discharged with his leg in an iron and leather brace as, following a bullet wound to his knee, he was unable to bend his leg properly.  Uncle Bert left the business in 1956, pursued an alternative career in leisure, and owned a 35-acre caravan, chalet and leisure park in Hayle, Cornwall. He died in 2009 at the age of 93.

The more modern picture (1977) is of another Ford with a Howson body giving very similar volume to the Model T.  This picture was taken at the new Trenchards Removals and Storage Centre which was opened in 1976.  David Trenchard was then the company’s MD.

Photos: From the Top - Bert and Victor Trenchard and a Model T Ford, c1930; Trenchards Ford Transit, 1977.