Dave,
Before you give up on the Ford, check with the DVLA regarding a dispensation to drive an historic vehicle rated at over 3.5 tonnes GVM if taxed as Historic or PLG and used unladen. Also, a vehicle over 3.5t GVM if proven to have been registered or first used before 1/1/1960 needs no MOT or LGV Test, if used privately and unladen. Go to DVLA website: Goods vehicle test exemptions, for appropriate application forms.
BTW, although Perkins P6 and R6 conversions were more economical than the V8, the sound just doesn't compare with the music of Henry's finest!
Rhett