Well it was a funny old year 2022 wasn’t it?! I have to say it was far to manic for my liking, too much panic and urgency, doesn’t suit my relaxed persona. I need to be more like the awesome Retro Truck Show weekend, relaxed, chilled out, talking only of happy things and enjoying other like minded peoples company. This video reminded me of said weekend, did anyone take a photo of the #Gr814 at all?? Lots of photographers there over the weekend and on the way out of the show….yes I want to see them despite my fuel cap being off.
I really hope to blog more again this year as compared to other truck sites, I don’t blog every day as much as i’d love too, life gets in the way. If you have anything to share, any of you want to write anything then please email me and I’ll pop it on the blog for us all to share and enjoy. I also hope to get to Assen this year with the #Gr814, but we will see and i also hope to get him painted before the show season too, but this has its own issues that i need to sort.
I look forward to an influx of photo’s in the next few days, in fact any of your own 814 photos would be cool please. Someone posted a great photo of two or three of them back in the day, all lined up in a yard, light blue cabs with dark blue bodies, all sleeper cabs, may been from the midlands some where, would love to see the photo again please for inspiration!
Email me or leave a photo in the comments below: ben@truckbloguk
That’s two in a row he’s passed! Today was MOT day and all the prep required was a bulb check and add a concrete block to the 5th wheel. The annual MOT comes to them all and each year I wonder how much it’s going to cost me, so very pleased with todays result. Having covered a massive 667km in the last 12 months, although not in a one hitter like my mate Brian from Gt Yarmouth. I did wonder if anything may have cropped up that I hadn’t realised but as one of the very experienced Techs said, they are fairly bullet proof so if there was something wrong you’d know about it.
You have to laugh though. The DVSA tester said I was looking at a fail as i have no VTG6 plate. I said I haven’t been sent any? He says well whoever did your first MOT last year should have arranged them and they would have been sent out following the test. I then produced last years test certificate for the him to see, I laughed on the inside when he realised it was him who did the test last year!! Other that everything else mechanical was fine, the only thing comment was that there wasn’t quite enough weight over the drive axle. With a mix of pallets and concrete blocks to chose from it is difficult to impose a load on the back end our MOT tests trailer loaded up would probably kill the little Gr814 in its tracks. I’ve taken a photo for reference for next year, so using a bigger block I’ll try and put it further back on the chassis to give more load in the back brakes. I still want to put some weight on the back end, but don’t want it to visible. I do like the idea of a “heavy” spare wheel under the rear of the chassis.
If all goes to plan and I can get him painted up in the spring time, I might just be able to break the 1000km mark for next years MOT. Hopefully a trip to NL will come along with a couple more shows in the UK. Might need a fuel sponsor though, what with the current price of fuel!… also need to think about what to put on the headboard.
Well done Gr814, not missed a beat this year and genuinely a thoroughly enjoyable drive.
Tracking a quarter-of-a-century of progress in truck technology, F1 team McLaren takes a trip down Mercedes-Benz ‘memory lane’
McLaren truck driver Ian Hodges has been reunited with the 25-year-old Mercedes-Benz Actros tractor unit he once piloted to race circuits throughout Europe, thanks to the stunning efforts of ace restorer Dominic Newby. Ian joined the Formula One outfit in 1997, the year in which the very first examples of the truck range that set previously unseen standards for efficiency and innovation hit UK roads. Mercedes-Benz High Performance Engines was McLaren’s works partner at the time, and Dominic’s 6×2 Actros 2557 MegaSpace was one of three identical trucks used to support the illustrious team’s pursuit of more Grand Prix victories. They pulled the race team transporter that carried the MP4/12 cars of Mika Häkkinen – winner of the Drivers’ World Championship for Mercedes-McLaren in each of the following two years – and David Coulthard, as well as the race engineer & communications trailer, and a hospitality unit.
Fast forward a quarter of a century and after a brief interlude in which McLaren ran Swedish-built trucks, Ian is once again driving a Mercedes-Benz. This time, though, it’s a strikingly-finished 4×2 unit from the fifth-generation Actros range, one of a dozen supplied by Sparshatt Truck & Van. When Newhaven-based Dominic made a VIP visit in his restored Actros to the impressive McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, Surrey, Ian and his colleagues jumped at the opportunity to compare and contrast the two trucks, and remind themselves how much the technology has moved on. An enthusiastic contributor to Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ Roadstars platform for drivers, Dominic had already won awards for his restoration of a Mercedes-Benz 1622 tractor unit from 1976, and was keen to take on another project. He explained: “I’d been looking for a suitable Actros for a long time, because I used to drive one back in the day. So when I learned this particular vehicle was available, my wife and I went to see it. We were pleasantly surprised to discover that not only was it a top-of-the-range model, with features like electric seats, but it also had all the books and, considering its age, was in great condition.” That was back in the summer of 2020. Dominic bought the Actros and, thanks in part to the truck’s highly distinctive aerodynamic features, quickly divined its McLaren provenance. “There are hardly any first-generation Actros left and as this one is so unique I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to give it a new lease of life,” he said.The comprehensive, restoration on which he then embarked entailed stripping the truck completely, and entailed the replacement of some electrical wiring harnesses and repairs to a cab suspension airbag. Dominic laboured for nine months in his spare time to return the unit to its former glory.
The first-generation truck’s 425 kW (570 hp) V8 engine and visually arresting, multi-coloured upholstery are very much ‘of their time’. By contrast, the interior of Ian’s new Actros, with its aluminium-effect and chrome StyleLine trim and leather upholstery, is a masterclass in understated comfort and quality. Powered by a 390 kW (530 hp), 12.8-litre in-line ‘straight-six’, his 1853 GigaSpace boasts an exhaustive list of advanced Mercedes-Benz technology, including MirrorCam, the ground-breaking, camera-based replacement for conventional mirrors, and the upgraded, interactive version of the radical, twin-screen Multimedia Cockpit dashboard. On safety, meanwhile, as well as the standard-fit Active Brake Assist 5 system, with its market-leading pedestrian-recognition capability, and the Lane Keeping Assist and Proximity Control Assist driver aids, the truck is equipped with an optional, secondary water retarder. “It’s a lovely truck, with a beautiful interior,” enthused Ian, who still supports the race team, driving to and Continental race venues at which Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo are competing in this year’s F1 World Championship with their Mercedes-Benz-engined McLaren MCL36 cars.
After finding himself back behind the wheel of the 1997 Actros, Ian said: “I’ve been working with Mercedes-Benz trucks for most of my career here at McLaren, and have particularly fond memories of the first, which was a real trail-blazer with its Telligent vehicle management systems and all-disc braking system. “I have to confess, though, that I’d forgotten the lurid colour scheme on the seats! Dominic’s Actros looks every bit as good now as it did the day we took delivery. He’s done a marvellous job and it’s a great testament to his attention to detail and workmanship.” McLaren’s latest Actros are all left-hand drive 4×2 1853s. Eight are LsnR variants with low-height frames and assigned to freight duties, their Krone Mega Liner trailers carrying everything needed to build and equip the team’s garage at each venue. The remaining four standard units, including Ian’s, pull the specialised engineering trailers that sit in the paddock throughout the Grand Prix weekends. Responsibility for operation of the McLaren truck fleet rests with long-serving Transport Manager Ian ‘Barney’ Barnard, and his two Transport Specialists Martin Boyes and Giles Matteson. Martin, who joined the team in 2000, commented: “It was a real treat to see such a bespoke truck stood alongside a vehicle from our generic fleet. His Actros is an absolute credit to Dominic, and certainly reflects all of the time, effort and passion he has expended on the restoration.” Martin continued: “Ours is a technology-led business, while the Actros has always been a platform for truck innovation. We have many friends at Mercedes-Benz and enjoy a long-established relationship with the manufacturer that we value very highly. “The same is true of our association with Sparshatt Truck and Van. Not only does the Dealer inspect and maintain the fleet at our base in Woking, but if necessary its technicians also provide support at race circuits. The Actros is a premium-quality product and when it comes to aftersales back-up, Sparshatt provides a premium level of service.”
J727 TRO – 113M 360J606 UOE – 113M 360J5 LOS – 143M 500J949 EDS – 113M 400
So what will come first 100 trucks on the list or a publisher??!
In the mean time we are now down to 4 confirmed Centurions we don’t have numbers for and amazing we have 4 empty spaces on the Centurion list. Is it a coincidence or have RP and myself (and all our informants) just about got 96 other trucks right?! Well there is a good chance as all the others are based on plenty of evidence, each number backed by at least 2-3 facts on the truck.
The above 4 trucks are all genuine Centurions, we know that for sure. Amazing we can’t get anyone with any concrete evidence on what number they were. I have even been having contact from Chris Kelly at Keltruck and even he can’t find any evidence of what number J606 UOE was and he drove it out to eastern Europa on an aid mission!
J727 TRO in Cambrian Pet food livery, but it does look a little tired in that photo.
J606 UOE. Well photographed and was a demo, but what happened to it after? Did it end up with a repaint and on the SEAS fleet after they parted company with #100? Just a thought.
J5 LOS. Perfect looking 143, we know a lot about it and have original photos from the owner before and after sign writing but no number!
J949 EDS. Had quite a few owners including Thomas Douglas Haulage from Glasgow. Still no one knows the number.
The remaining 4 numbers in the Centurion list we can’t allocate to a truck or a reg number are: #037 / #043 / #054 / #068.
No need to go over old ground but if you know anything on these 4 trucks or a Centurion number rings a bell as you’ve seen a certificate from Scania in a transport office, please, please let us know. Comment below or email me; ben@truckblog.co.uk
It’s a truck, albeit a steam one, but a truck none the less. Love it when you send me photos of things you think I’d like. This photo was taken by a supplier of mine, Steve Bowdidge. Steve is in on the steam scene and has his own mini traction engines that he attends the various steam fairs around the south west of England and beyond. This beautiful Foden, in my favourite colour of the year, was spotted at a show sporting the right surname and two of my Dads initials. I have double checked, but my old man confirms that he doesn’t have a secret collection of steam vehicles for me to inherit. What a great photo though, thanks Steve.
If you have anything to share or that you think I need to see, please tag me in anything you can or send me an email: ben@truckblog.co.uk
There’s nothing I like more than talking to good old boys about their memories of good old days of trucking. In this case my awesome colleague Mr Stephen Jenkins. Steve has been in transport for most of his working career and ever since I’ve known him (probably 4 or 5 years now), he’s been promising me some photos of his owner driver years. If my notes are right, the owner driver years were from 1971 through to 1986. Most of this was on European work, but I know Steve did make a few trips to the Middle East, although he wasn’t a regular.
The first photo he finally got round to sharing is the awesome Volvo F88 above. this was YBE 540K, an early F88 with a split screen and top mounted window wipers. Steve bought the truck and had it painted red, black and white chevrons on the bumper and 4 spotlights under said bumper. Interestingly Steve said that the 4 spots were mounted under the bumper to help with the fog on the Italian mountain passes such as Mont Cenis. The standard lights on the truck from Volvo just weren’t enough to help when the fog came down, put the spotlights under the bumper so they were down as close to the road as possible. Makes perfect sense when you think about it and there was me just thinking it was an early fashion statement! When Steve went to see Ian McKellar about some work, Ian agreed Steve could start working with him as he had a red truck that matched Ian’s colours. The only catch was, Ian insisted a white stripe be painted on the cab. Steve was quite happy with that but only if it didn’t cost him any money, so Ian agreed he’d pay for the stripe to be painted on. Can’t beat a little anecdote.
The list below is of all the trucks Steve owned as an owner driver. I’d very much like it if you could all try and find any photos of the other Volvo’s listed please. I’m sure there will be some somewhere and I’m not just talking about Steve’s loft!
YBE 540K – Volvo F88 240
SLL 62L – Volvo F88 240
OGS 49M – Volvo F88 240
NHL 618X – Volvo F89
KPU 13V – Mercedes-Benz
The Merc below is a 1632 that Steve bought 2nd hand. During his time owning the truck he managed to clock up enough KM, that by the time it was retired from his ownership it had around 1.6 Million KM on the clock. Regular trips to Italy accounted for a lot of the mileage. Even though the engine was a 320HP, V10 with an 8 speed ZF gearbox, Steve was able to get a decent 7mpg out of the big German.
Man-O-Man, where do I start?? Shall I save you all the pain of reading a new blog and just republish last years?? If I did then I wouldn’t have the chance to get all gooey, reminiscing about yet another awesome weekend at Gaydon or as I like to call it, the Retro Truckstop Weekender! The show it’s self had 401 trucks on Sunday mornings count up. That includes everything inside the main gate. Now one quick note for the organisers, quite a few commented that there were a few too many “new” trucks, make of that what you will and perhaps it’s a discussion point or comment below? Then again without enough trucks the show wouldn’t be what it is….. awesome.
No one can disagree that there were more trucks than ever and more trucks that I’d not seen before. Being a Merc fan, we even had a Merc corner which was a first, the Stuttgart Stars. The standard of restoration, preservation or any other ‘ation, was incredible. We have to remember than not everyone has the budget to restore from the chassis rails up, so for all of you, like me who can just about afford to keep your pride and retro-joy road worthy and MOT’d, you’re doing just as important a job. We have to keep as many old trucks on the road as possible, other wise they will end up at the mercy of the nearest gas axe. I think another point that was very noticeable was the increase in manufacturers. Some years it seems that there are only newly restored Scania’s and Volvo’s coming on the scene (no bad thing), but this year their were Fords, Scammells, Magirus Deutz, ERF’s, an amazing Scottish DAF that had had the full piggy bank thrown at it and it looked better than new, simply delightful. One thing that is very apparent about the Retro Show, is that it is the show for the fans and the lovers of your own favourite manufacturer. Even if you aren’t a fan, then everyone present can appreciate each and every truck on show for what they are. I’m sitting here writing this wondering how on Earth I’m going to choose which photos to include!
I know I’ve said it each year and again now but one of the most enjoyable parts of the show is the people that attend. You genuinely can’t walk more than 50 metres without seeing or meeting someone else to chat too or catch up with. I think the best I heard, was someone who’d been at the show for 3 hours and had barely made it to the end of the first row of trucks! Whether it’s chatting about a truck on show, seeing old friends, making new ones or just joining in a conversation as us drivers like to do, it is by far the most sociable show with the least amount of ego’s you’ll find in the UK. I think most are gently surprised when someone likes their old truck, much how I felt when people kept coming over to the 814 and saying how much they loved it as it bought back many memories of peoples first truck. Made me smile anyway.
Zoom in on the line up!
The social element and banter is present all week and their were countless “moments” where everyone gets a ribbing from their counterparts. Then their are the serial collectors and proper encyclopaedia types who know their trucks better than The manufacturers who built them. Peoples knowledge is genuinely amazing. If you need to know something there will be someone at the show who can tell you who you need to talk too. Then there are just the trucking VIP’s who everyone knows and has a chat and a laugh with. To name a few; the King and Queen, or Trevor and Jody Rowell, Keith Storey, Fred Parker, Mark Farrow, Richard Payne, Nick Bull, Karl Skilton, Nick Pelosi, Uel McCullough, Miss Hopton and Master Hopton and the list goes on. Sharing a beer is one thing, having a good chat and a joke is another, so when you can do both together surrounded by some mates and the trucks of the golden years of UK haulage, what more could you possibly want?!?….. oh yea delicious home cooked food and a delicious cooked breakfast from a team who have to put up with same old drivers jokes with each new punter! It is truly a great weekend and for me the best show in the UK currently. Appreciated it’s not for everyone but the social side and the trucks from my childhood make it so.
A final few more mentions, the amazing MAN Roadhaus from Wexford, the living 79 year old legend and still driving international Mike Dunston, nice to see a few Magnums on the scene, Nick Pelosi’s face when he heard some 80’s hits banging out my 814’s stereo, the sound of a Transcon with a Detroit engine, Carl Jones for pointing out my fuel cap was off as I drove out the show, yep in front of all the cameras, check your pictures, what a twit! Other than that just a big thank you to Lee Herbert and his team who make the show a complete joy in all respects. I can’t wait for next year, the Gr814 and I will be back.
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