Tom,you describe it exactly as it was especially of interest was leaving the van in Liverpool,some of these used to park at the Pierhead, right in front of the big building on the public highway.Can you imagine that today.
On a similar note,in 1965 I took 2 bikes to the Southern100 leaving van in Liverpool and pushing onto boat.I had made arrangements to Garage the bikes at the back of the George Hotel but staying with my normal landlady in Douglas.On arrival I enquired of the police if they could advise me of anyone who could transport the bikes to Castletown.Their answer was Why! do'nt they run.When I replied that they were not even registered let alone taxed/insured they said not to worry just be carefull,no speeding and keep the noise down but its ok to ride them,so we did me on one my mechanic on the other.Those were the days.