Derived from the Morris/BMC J4 and JU250 vans of the 1960s, the core vehicle went through a series of developments, the main one being the revision of the forward control layout of the J4 and moving the engine ahead of the cab and accessible via a bonnet.

This allowed the wheelbase to be extended resulting in greater stability, payload, side loading and the distinctive 'Sherpa' profile (though the last of the J4s and the first Sherpa are largely identical from the rear).

This feature was made into a virtue in later publicity by stressing its ability in narrow city streets – this indeed was why the Sherpa series was for many years preferred over the Ford Transit by the Royal Mail, in particular.

The petrol 2.0 required a negligible premium over the 1.7, a mere £50 (equivalent to £223 in 2023), with fuel consumption remaining the same and drivability being considerably improved.

[2] It had a neater appearance (using a black vertically slatted grille which gave it a family resemblance to the Range Rover) and much improved side access to the load bay.

The Sherpa van could now be bought in 200, 230, 250 and 280 versions, reflecting the maximum GVW in tens of kilograms - 200 meaning 2 tonnes, 230 signifying 2.3, and so on.

An optional Luton body took loadspace up to 460 cubic feet (13 m3), again with a choice of basic chassis cab GVWs.

A Luton style body was offered, built on the 255 chassis cab, providing a capacity of 400 cubic feet (11 m3), and a maximum payload of almost two tonnes.

The chassis cab also formed the basis for drop side pick ups, in 255, 280 and 285 versions, again available with either short or long wheelbases.

The 200 Series continued to be built on car lines and its narrow width meant it became a very popular city van.

In 1996, the van received a facelift with less boxy front panels and a redesigned dashboard and seating and was renamed the Pilot.

Early models have basic interiors consisting of two or three seats, Mountain Blue coloured plastic dashboard and LDV branded FM/AM cassette radio.

The early Speed Six design just used Sherpa axles and suspension, fitted to a custom chassis and mated to an engine of buyer's choice before being fitted with an Aluminium and fiberglass fabricated body; the later Speed Four model used the complete Sherpa 200 chassis and running gear (and occasionally engine) to enable it to pass the stricter SVA rules imposed after 1999.