John, that has brought back wonderful memories for me. When I passed my test in 1974, my father had a Ford 400E for his small holding. I drove it for over year. It had the 3 speed box (column change the same). My uncle, who was in partnership with my father, worked for Rediffusion. He had an option to buy the vans they were getting rid of. My father worked for the local bus company and he was able to get old bus seats. My uncle fitted out the 400E (1963?) with bench seats and a home made roof rack. We joined him and his family for a holiday in Yugoslavia, camping. $ adults and 4 children - no seat belts - no ABS - no air conditioning. All the way to Porec on the Istra peninsula. It took us three days to get there and 3 days back. 8 days on the campsite!
An experience few people can contemplate, at the time it was done.