Company car of the week: Brian’s the wheel deal

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Our story on Friday about the company car with a difference, a Morgan 3 Wheeler, prompted agent Richard Wheeler (yes, really) to tell us about his own company vehicle.

It (sorry, he) even has a name – Brian – and very nearly his own Facebook account.

In fact, we think he should have – after all, if Robert Peston’s hairstyle has its own Facebook page, why not Brian?

Richard, of Chester agents Somerville’s, is rightly proud of Brian, a Citroen 2CV6 Special (very) dating from 1987.

The car was bought and lovingly restored by Richard’s dad, Brian, who used it to take his wife on a European touring jaunt in the early 2000s.

Sadly Brian Wheeler – who was well known and regarded with great affection locally – died suddenly from pancreatic cancer.

However, his beloved car lives on, having had a complete makeover which includes Somerville’s branding.

Richard said that Brian’s main duties are to assist travel between accompanied viewings.

He added: “He happily toots to anyone who waves, as he pootles by.”

Like the Morgan 3 Wheeler, Brian is a huge favourite locally.

Richard said: “Bringing Brian into the front line of the business has been a great success.

“One little boy even came in to the office with a picture of Brian that he’d cut out of the local magazine, asking if he could meet him.

“Recently, one customer called in asking if he could take a selfie with Brian for his Facebook page.”

Richard added: “Brian is a tribute to my late father, and I’m sure he would have been delighted to be remembered as an old French car.”

EYE is now considering a regular column devoted to estate agents’ company cars.

Foxtons, eat your heart out!

Eye’s technical details:

Price: Cheap.

Restoration: Expensive.

Top speed: Pootles. Originally 40mph provided no hills, side winds, passengers, etc.

Getting to viewings on time: Hire a man walking in front with red flag.

Remember: Drive on the left.

Vintage: Between 1948 and 1989.

Best feature: Driver’s ashtray.

Finest hour: Driven by James Bond in For Your Eyes Only.

Biggest disappointment: Not required to audition for Life of Brian.

Extras: No boot. Strangely smooth suspension. Front wheel drive. Often yellow. Although Brian is green.

Dress code: Beret.

Vital accessory: Gauloises cigarettes.

Sex appeal: French sub-titles.

Happiness rating: Smoking!

No, the car is not For Sale…

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Signing off as Brian…

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