The Best Mode of Transport for a Thrifter?
The only thing on wheels I go thrifting with is my 1970's cherry red granny trolley. It's time to consider the alternatives...
A natty 3 wheeler I spotted at the Braderie flea market in Lille, France last year.
Fifteen years ago I pulled off a most spectacular stunt which involved passing my driving test first time and then writing my car off all in the space of one week. Genius. Scarred from the horror (metaphorically speaking of course) I haven’t sat behind the wheel since. When considering the idea of setting up Thrift-ola it seemed crazy to have a business sourcing and selling vintage finds without any transport. I’ve managed thus far but I’ve had to leave behind far too many things I couldn’t carry *sob* so, I’ve decided to start some driving lessons and take my test again. In the meantime I thought this super Seventies tricycle with big ol’ basket could be a good summertime thrifting aid – if only I’d snapped it up last year at the Braderie flea in Lille.
A very roomy Plymouth I spied on the seafront in Worthing.
Once I’ve past my test I’ll be looking for a model of car that has plenty of room for all my found swag. Secretly I’d love to cruise around in an old Ford Capri (cringe, I know, I’m sorry) or tootle about in a little Citroen 2CV with red and white stripe soft top. Both of which wouldn’t carry nearly enough loot – I might as well still be trundling about with my granny trolley. The other week I spotted this ah-mazing vintage Plymouth parked up on the seafront in Worthing.
A pretty rock'n'roll set of wheels with plenty of room for thrifted swag.
What a great set of rock’n’roll wheels for a weekend away thrifting! Although, if I am to start my UK buying jaunts the accommodation bills could be quite costly. No one loves a B&B more than me but maybe I should be looking for a little campervan. When my thoughts started idly strolling down this path I discovered – THE BAMBI!
A pair of classic Bedford mini vans for thrifting weekends away - the Rascal (left) and the Bambi (right).
The Bedford Bambi is a snug little boxy 2-berth motor home designed in the Eighties. It’s often referred to as the “tardis” because although it’s small on the outside it’s surprisingly roomy on the inside. They generally have a fridge, 2 burner gas ring hob, grill, 2 berths which can convert into a double and the best bit for a weekend of thrifting – plenty of storage, in both overhead, under bunk and outside lockers. I’m currently watching them sell on eBay, will probably hire one first after I’ve passed my test and will shortly join the Bambi Owners Club. I’ll keep you all updated!
3 Responses to The Best Mode of Transport for a Thrifter?
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I drive a vintage mini, and find her perfect for thrifting trips every week for work. She’s economical and fun to drive, and i’m yet to have to turn anything down because it can’t fit inside. I have a roof rack too (for super find emergencies!)
Also, I saw a lady parked up in a Bambi once. She’d filled it with deer, had bambi wall paper and bambi upholstery. I really wish i’d taken a picture!
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I passed my driving test at the grand old age of 30 last August and still can’t face the motorway- or really any further than Waitrose. I still get the bus to my fave car boot cos of a horrible island! You are not alone Leona – will be thinking of you on your LESSONS and well done you on having another shot. Maybe one day I will follow suit, grow so balls and maybe even hit an A road.. Lx
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Hey there! My name is Leona and this is my online shop and blog where you can follow my thrifty adventures and snap up a vintage gem of two.
I passed my test first time, drove for a few months, had a panic attack when I got lost on the way to Oxford, and hated driving since. It’s the thought of getting lost that freaks me out! But I’m sure you’ll do better second time around. Ford Capri’s are AWESOME, my dad had a powder blue one! That Bambi van looks like it’s come from a Playmobil set, too cute! Good luck! x