Claude van Rouge Optional Extras

History

Claude was built in 1987, but the first known history was when he was supplied to the British Embassy in Cameroon in 1990. He is the estate version of the F4 van (R239B) and has rear windows and a rear seat. The rear windows were originally steel but have been replaced with aftermarket plastic framed windows.

The original colour was grey, but Claude was repainted throughout in red cellulose paint very early in his life, possibly for the British Embassy. Red cellulose paint is prone to fading so Claude is now pink.

Claude has a lot of options fitted. Being a utilitarian vehicle the options are mostly to do with dealing with unmade roads, and they are rare to see in the UK.

Cyclone air filter

There is a second air filter before the normal air filter to help with dusty roads.

Inside is a cyclone that looks a lot like a Dyson vacuum cleaner.

Petrol tank guard

Claude also has the rough road kit which includes a petrol tank guard to stop the rough road making holes in the petrol tank.

Front guard

There is another guard at the front that is much wider than the standard one. It is also very much heavier than the standard guard being made from 3mm steel.

I'll paint the eyes and nose back on - I think it's a Mad Max thing designed to scare the road.

Brake guard

The front brakes are protected from loose stones by a back plate that isn't found on standard cars.

Corrosion has made them very thin and crunchy. I don't think I'll try to shotblast them.

Upper wishbone

The upper wishbones have a reinforcement on the top similar to earlier cars to make them more sturdy for rough roads.

Rear suspension bump stop

I've never seen a bump stop fitted to the rear suspension. The suspension arms never get anywhere near the chassis. They must have been expecting some really bumpy roads.

There is no evidence of contact between the bump stops and the body.

Front mud flap

The front mudflaps are secured to their mountings by staples. The mud flap looks the part but I can't imagine staples would have survived 33 years.

Though I've known the car for probably 11 years and they aren't a recent addition.

Rear mud flap

The rear mudflap is riveted in a more more sensible manner.

I'm guessing the mudflaps are original - they both use the same material and the rear ones include a bridge from the chassis to the body so they have been made for this variant.