Some bloke called Freddie Mercury once sang:
“One man one goal one mission
One heart one goal just one solution
One flash of light yeah many Griffins One Vision”
Ok, so I changed a couple of words, but never did our Freddie realise that this was the perfect description of one Mr Rob Bilman and his vision of a Scania only show. It perfectly sums up Rob’s idea of a Scania only get together. A show for those who are fans of the Griffin both drivers and fans alike. The idea was that the 2013 show need to have a few more trucks than the 35-ish that attended the 2012 gathering. On the big day there were 118 confirmed trucks, but sadly a few pulled out and the final figure was 108 Scania’s all in the same place at the same time. What was also nice was that it wasn’t just the big V8’s that turned up, Scania 110, 111, 141, 112, 142, 113, 143 and of course many more modern motors were all present at the Ipswich based gathering. Next year surely we could get 200??
The show started on Saturday and ran through to Sunday afternoon. Saturday was supposed to be the arrival day and Sunday the public show day, but there were plenty of people have a look round on both days. I was due to go with a tasty Tcab but a last-minute change meant I had to ask a favour and took a mighty fine 143 from NC Cammack. I have to say that I was more than happy to take the 143 as a replacement, but all it has done has made me realise that I need a 143 in my life all the time. This also wasn’t helped by finding out that my favourite 143 at the show was for sale. Some of you won’t be shocked to hear that my wallet stayed in my pocket. Thanks Jim Cammack for the truck and I’m glad I took it as it got plenty of interest.
The show was broken down into series categories as well as best working truck and best fleet and a few others. Acting as Truckblog I sponsored the “Best 3 Series” category as this was the series I dreamed of owning as a schoolboy and also what I still dream of owning now! Due to yet another change of circumstances I judged the trucks myself. Now you would think judging 13 trucks would be pretty easy……. How wrong was I!! The judging guidelines were to choose the truck that I thought most deserved the prize, again not as easy as it sounds. I wasn’t swayed too much by cleanliness but in the end it did come down to one being shinier than the other. Unlike Truckfest (from what people say!!) I wasn’t bribed in any way, although Richard Payne and Dion Anderson deserve medals for their competitiveness, in my head I awarded them joint 3rd place. Richard Paynes 143 is just delightful and a true work of love. Richard also earned extra points for the authentic stickers and beer crates and also earned an extra point for the wicked Twin Trucker aerials mounted on the roof rack.
Dion Andersons fully restored 113 Centurion is pure class. I think next year there should be a new class at the show for “Most Authentic Restoration”, in my book this truck would be a clear winner. Replicated maroon and gold Centurion stripes, grill badges, seat covers, it was all there and should be applauded. I even donated a photo of the original truck that I took at Silverstone when the truck was brand new.
2nd place went to the gorgeous blue and black Streamline M504 RRN, sorry not sure who the owner was. If I could own a Streamline I think this would be the one. I love the colours, and customisation, it’s just right in my book, a stunning truck and some gorgeous side pipes earned extra points. The only reason finally decided that this truck was 2nd in class was purely that it wasn’t quite as clean as the winner, other than that this was my personal favourite. Now where’s my wallet……
The winner of “Best 3 Series” was this show-room finished 143 450 Streamline that had come all the way from Scotland for the weekend. The truck is owned by Craig of Denny and is Super dooper clean and tidy. In fact it is in virtually new condition. Looking round the chassis and the cab it was just perfect and to me just looked like the perfect show room ready 3 series Scania. Although the black and blue 143 was my favourite, N40 COD was just straight and as clean can be. As a bit of a show goer myself I just felt I had to award the trophy to this truck as it was “as new” in my book a real credit to the owners, this could have brand new back in the late 1990’s the way the truck was. Spot on.
All in all my top 4 trucks could have all been the winner and it was massively difficult to choose just 1. Well done to all that I judged and I look forward to picking next years Best 3 Series.
This blue 142 summed up the show. Not glamorous, not ultra shiny covered chrome, just a well-loved Scania. The whole idea behind the show was for people who love their Scania’s……job done. For those who didn’t go you must put it in your diary for next year. A delightful little show that is organised purely and simply for the love of the trucks. Rob Bilman and Michelle Lines deserve a round of applause for organising such a great weekend. I hope next year I can find a truck to take and take part once again, in what can only be described as a true truck show. The whole weekend was rounded up and finished off with a huge convoy down the A14 with all 108 trucks taking to the road. In some ways it was a pity we weren’t in one continuous line but hey ho it certainly didn’t matter to me.
Bring on GOTG 2014!!
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