The Post Office has frequently experimented with a variety of small vans for postal work. Some have proved more successful than others. The small capacity (80 cubic foot) Rascal did not meet with universal approval from Post Office officials but was popular with postman drivers in the West Country. This was because the higher seated position provided better vision to the drivers on the narrow lanes with tall walls and hedges found in that part of the country.

To the right of the Rascal is a prototype Type K pillar box (1979). This was the prototype for a new, modern design of pillar box introduced in 1981. It was designed by Tony Gibbs and a new type of casting method produced a smooth looking surface in contrast to the rough, dimpled finish of previous boxes. The cast iron ‘K’ type included many modern features such as a rotating disk to indicate the time of next collection, a sloping collection plate for easier reading, a drainage system and many safety features.

The new box was introduced with huge publicity on July 31st 1981, when 11 of them were officially opened in major cities by local dignitaries. The box was not universally popular however and in 1990, Royal Mail reintroduced the traditional cylindrical box as an alternative. Many of these boxes can be seen on the streets today, mainly on newer housing or industrial estates. Various nicknames have been given to these boxes, such as the ‘torpedo’ or ‘lipstick’.

They were originally manufactured by Lion Foundry, Kirkintilloch, Scotland. The plastic prototype on display was made by Toggle Mouldings.