The Southern Railway commenced building these characteristic vehicles in 1934 under the direction of the Southern Railway Chief Mechanical Engineer Mr. Richard Maunsell.  They were once a common sight in passenger trains all over the South of England, also seeing use on newspaper and parcels services.  Many were later converted for special uses.

No. 1108 was purchased from Micheldever sidings in 1973, after being withdrawn in 1972.  The van arrived at Quainton during March 1973.