What an awesome looking rig! I think Australian trucks looks more imposing than the Americans, as in general the cabs sit higher due to the nature of some of the roads and tracks across the outback. This K’whopper is driven by a trucking mad woman called Clare. Last night I was Tweeting into the future and Clare was tweeting into the past. It was getting on for midnight Saturday night here in the UK but it was early Sunday morning down in Australia. I was lazing on the sofa watching the TV while @clarebear455 was trucking along some where 1200km north of Perth in Western Australia, the wonders of modern technology! Clare drives and polishes the gorgeous looking KW for her boss and who can blame her with such a fancy looking rig. The road train is powered by a 650hp Caterpilar power plant, pulling 3 articulated trailers, weighing in at approx 135,000kg and around 55 metres long, at this size Clare can still truck along at 100kph. Here in the UK it’s a different world entirely, max length is 18.75 metres on a drawbar (rigid truck with a trailer), 44,000kg on 6 axles, limited to 89kph. I know where I’d rather be, I’d happily swap 1000 cars on the M25 for 1000 kangaroos! If your on twitter follow Clare by searching for; @clarebear455
So here it is people, the very truck that everyone’s man of the moment refurbished and rebuilt back to new condition is OFFICIALLY for sale. There have been a few rumours floating around on various social media, so lets put those all to bed and say that yes it is for sale. The Grimsby Gangster a.k.a. Mick Moody has confirmed that he is willing to sell his pride and joy….of course for the right money. The truck itself is a genuine left hand drive Scania 143 500 Topline Streamline new on the road in Switzerland in September 1996.
There is a fair amount of pedigree now attached to this truck as it was rebuilt by the one and only, bike racing, mad-haired, Spitfire building, all-round nice bloke, new Fred Dibner, truck mechanic extraordinaire Mr Guy Martin. This has been well documented by everyone and there is even a video of Guy and the truck available to watch by clicking on the YouTube video below. We now know that Guy’s mechanical engineering skills are no longer just good enough to be a race motorbike builder or an amazing truck mechanic but he is also an accomplished Spitfire builder too. I have never seen the truck in person but for me, with the fact that Guy has rebuilt it, I can only imagine that it has been given his usual complete and utter attention and laid back professionalism…..I would think that if you ask nicely when you pick it up from Grimsby you might even be able to get Mr Martin’s autograph somewhere on the truck.
The truck is like new and there really are only a few trucks out there that have been refurbished back to a new condition. The main reason being the cost. Cost has not been much of a priority with this one as it was more important just to get it right and make it as it should be. The full spec of the truck is as follows;
Scania 143-500 Topline Streamline
Retarder
Air con
12 speed box
632.000 kms from new
Euro 2 – invoice here for conversion
Michelin tyres Alcoa Durabrites
Twin air horns
Twin Eminox exhausts
Fully restored
Every nut and bolt new
Even new foam behind front grill
New everything Ben…..and of course rebuilt by our maverick Guy Martin!!
A couple of extra notes, it had its first MOT in August and it passed with flying colours. Also the personalised number plate will be removed before going to any new home. How much is it?, I hear you all asking amongst yourselves…..
Offers over £45,000 – tyre kickers not required!!
If you are seriously interested then please contact Mick Moody to discuss further and make sure you mention you saw it on Truckblog!
Volvo Trucks marketing have done it again!! A super bit of Swedish marketing along with the one of the best drivers in the UK, Mr Tiff Needell. This time Tiff is taking an FH 540 around a Swedish race track and having rather a lot of fun in the process. The only thing about the video is that lucky Tiff gets to drive the big Volvo in a derestricted state, something that all (most!?) drivers can only dream about these days. Have a little read of the press release below. The idea behind the crazy Needell-ness is to promote Volvo truck’s new dual clutch gearbox, it does look very smooth!!
An eight-tonne Volvo FH against one of the world’s fastest cars – a Koenigsegg One:1. This is the scenario in Volvo’s new YouTube film, ‘Volvo Trucks v Koenigsegg’. The aim is to put the new I-Shift Dual Clutch gearbox – based on a technique used in sports cars – to the ultimate test.
In the film a Volvo FH comes up against a Koenigsegg One:1, with as much horsepower as weight kilos (1360), making it the world’s first mega-car. In order to stand a fair chance, the Koenigsegg received a handicap which means that it drove two laps of the Knutstorp race track in southern Sweden, whereas the Volvo FH tractor unit only drove one lap. Despite this, the conclusion is still unpredictable. The purpose of the race is to put the new Volvo I-Shift Dual Clutch gearbox to the ultimate test.
“I-Shift Dual Clutch has a dual-clutch, which is quite unique in the heavy vehicles market. However, similar technology is already in sports cars. Therefore, this was the perfect challenge,” said Jeff Bird, Press Test Director at Volvo Trucks. The similarities between the Volvo FH truck with I-Shift Dual Clutch and sports cars include includes a driveability that comes with seamless gear shifting and this is no more evident than at this circuit, which is known for its hilly terrain and demanding turns.
“It may sound like a different environment for a heavy truck, but the fact is that – thanks to its dual-clutch – I-Shift Dual Clutch is most useful in conditions that require a lot of shifting. The gearbox’s seamless shifts improve driveability tremendously,” said Jeff Bird.
Behind the steering wheel of the Volvo FH is the experienced motor racing personality Tiff Needell. Without revealing the results, Tiff – who had never raced in a truck before – admits that he was impressed by the performance of the vehicle.
“I-Shift Dual Clutch is absolutely incredible. It is particularly noticeable on slopes, the truck does not hold back – it just flows smoothly, without the gear changes being felt. When you brake, it switches down very softly and comfortably. The truck definitely has the heart of a sports car,” says Tiff Needell.
Volvo Trucks’ new dual-clutch gearbox was launched in Europe last June and is available on Volvo FH with Euro-6 D13 engines at 460hp, 500hp and 540hp ratings.
Sorry, photos from Jordan. The one thing that never ceases to amaze me is who is actually reading the blog around the world. You can keep up with it on the www, twitter or Facebook in any country you can get the internet in. I recently had a message from Mahmoud Al Shogran from Jordan. Mahmoud sent across a few photos of some Mercedes-Benz trucks which seem to be quite popular in Jordan and quite nicely done up too.
The trucks look like they are from Holland and Germany as do some of the trailers. Plenty of lights and bull bars seem to be popular, probably good for stray livestock or camels. Not sure what VOSA would say to the screen full of flags and the like!
Doesn’t matter where in the world you are, but if you have your own or if you just love trucks I’d love to see them all. Email me, ben@truckblog.co.uk or tweet me @truckbloguk and I’ll post your photos of your local trucks. More the better!!
A little short notice but there is a decent looking Vintage vehicle auction coming up this weekend. Saturday 1st November at Donnington Park in Leicestershire. The auction has a number of vintage vans and trucks, all of which appear to be in very good condition. The auction is being held by auctioneers Thimbleby & Shorland and if you want to see the catalogue then click HERE.
Tyretracks is a name that most of you would have heard of, Chris Hopton and his merry team supply Alloy wheels to all of us truckers who are lucky enough to be able to afford a bit of shine to our trucks. It’s not just wheels though, these days you can buy allsorts of stainless steel accessories for various trucks. I was lucky enough many years ago to get a tax rebate and I thought I’d treat my little MAN to a set of 17.5inch Speedline alloys. They transformed the truck and also saved a bit of weight, why not do the same for your own truck???…….
Along with the various truck accessories that are available from the Tyretracks website, Chris Hopton has always been a truck fan and there has always been a pro-mo show truck lurking in the Tyretracks shed. The Torpedo at the top is one of Chris’s creations (it then went to Frank Hudson transport and is now owned by JG Riddell) as are the trucks below, all quite well known. Much to my delight the 141 is ex ACH, it was originally a 4×2 but was converted by/for Wharfedale Traction I think. It has since ended up in the sheds of Scotlee Transport in Scotland so perhaps we will see it again. The 143 has also lived a well documented life, starting out with well know Owner Driver Graham Cordiner, then being owned by CDC Truck Accessories and now Paul Binns. The 142 is Chris’s personal favourite and also the one that he wishes he had kept, it is currently residing down in Poole. I have to say I love the way Chris knows where all his ex trucks are now. All the trucks were developed to promote the business and the products that tyretracks sell as well as satisfying Mr Hopton’s love of trucks!
A current favourite with all you customisers are the light up headboards to go on the front of your trucks above your windscreen. These headboards have been about for a long time and one of the original manufacturers are a company from Denmark called SRI. I can vouch how good they are as I had one on my 141 when I restored it, although I had to buy it direct from Denmark which wasn’t easy. I had one of the Classic square boards and once it was sign written it was awesome! If the two other newer versions are any where near as good as the Classic…….Original is best and all that;
“These headboards are manufactured in Denmark by SRI and are one of the very best headboards currently available. They are available in 3 styles in a range of sizes (From 200mm x 1050mm to 400mm x 1600mm) so you are almost certain to find the one that will suit your taste. LED lighting is also available if preferred.”
“There is the AERO Sign® which is the traditional style deep Danish headboard, the AERO Slim® which is a modern take on the traditional Aero Sign, being slimmer and smoother in design and then there is the CLASSIC Sign® which is in the style of the fabulous 1970’s / 1980’s style headboard. You can also be assured that if you do happen to have a mishap then spare parts for these Headboards are also stocked. Prices start from £300.00 + vat and as most sizes are stocked they can be shipped for next day delivery, although collection from Tyretracks Head Office in Eccleshall, Stafford is also no problem.”
That’s almost it for now although we will all be seeing and hearing a little more from Tyretracks during 2015. Good news came a few weeks back that Chris and Tyretracks have signed up to sponsor next years Retro Truckshow at Gaydon in September. On top of that I think I have almost convinced Chris to come to the Gathering of the Griffin show in Ipswich next year, seeing as he is a big Scania fan. This leads nicely to more good news that due to pressure from his son, Chris has given in and bought another project. Above is a very tidy Scania 144 530 V8 with a proper sleeper cab, that will hopefully make it on the show circuit next year. There are plenty of plans for the aging V8 but I won’t spoil it, so you’ll have to wait and see! Tyretracks are a family firm and you’ll be well looked after if you need their services. As well as the website there is also a Tyretracks Facebook Page for those who are that way inclined.
Scania Scania Scania, I know I know, that’s all I seem to put on here these days. Can you blame me when they are producing the best and really the only special editions of any worth by the main manufacturers? The Blue Stream is produced by Scania for the world wide market, it’s available in any chassis configuration with any cab as long as it has a V8 engine. The limited edition is a run of 200 individually numbered trucks.
Both the gorgeous Blue Stream and the UK’s own special edition, the Golden Griffin were released fairly close to one another but there really is no comparison in spec from what I hear and I will say hear. The Golden Griffin is a limited run of just 50 trucks available to the UK market to celebrate 50 years of Scania in the UK. For me the Blue Stream blows it’s Golden cousin out the water. It’s based on celebrating the original baby blue and pink stripes from the original Scania Streamline that was released back in 1991. With the launch of the new R-Streamline Scania got lots of feedback from drivers who fondly remembered the original Streamline, so it was decided they would release a new special edition to honour the original. Nice.
In the north of England on the east coast of Lincolnshire there is a man who goes by the name of Moody, Mick Moody. Many of you will know the name and some will know the man, I have no idea how myself and Mr Moody have become what ever we are but we text and these days talk quite a bit. Now I have been known to be a fair Scania fan but Mr Moody is probably one of the biggest Scania fans that I know (excluding Mr Rigby that is!) and when Mr Moody text me to say he had something special on its way I knew it was going to be a knock-your-socks-off-special, he didn’t disappoint. This particular truck is new and unregistered so it is in need of a good number and among the fields of dreamers I’m sure there are a good number of Scania fans with enough money to snap up edition #5. The truck is a left hand drive R580 Topline, 6×2 mid-lift. The Blue Streams spec will leave you feeling far from blue as each truck comes fitted with the following packages that are usually cost options;
· Lighting package
· Driver package
· Prestige package
· Comfort package
These packages include the following equipment, Air Suspension Including Front Axle, 2 Peddle Opticruise, Retarder, Coffee Maker, Fridge, Premium Radio Inc Sat Nav, Bluetooth, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure, Camara, Limited Edition No 5, Top Bar,Visor Bar,Rear Bar,Durabrites, Far To Many Extras To List,This Truck Is Just Pure Class. So you can be safe in the knowledge that it has virtually every option and upgrade that is possible from the factory. This has since been confirmed by Mr Moody telling me that he can’t find a blank switch cover any where on the dashboard, all the switches are in use with something or another. Have a look at the dash in the photos, you can see that every switch has a symbol and is there fore a use.
If your not a dreamer, or a tyre kicker or a waster or a Volvo lover then perhaps it might just be worth you giving Mr Moody a call and I’m sure he will set you straight. The truck will be expensive but remember what your getting, an awesome drivers favourite, collectible special edition that will hold its value. Please contact 00-Moody on either of the following;
Email: mick@moodyinternational.co.uk
Phone: +44 (0) 7802 225585
Website: www.moodyinternational.co.uk
You will or won’t know that Richard Payne, Dion Anderson and myself are busy trying to track and trace as many of the original 100 Scania Centurions as possible. Any info please email: centurion@truckblog.co.uk
In my book the two best Centurions were #89 and #90, both belonging to Ralph Davies International. Bother trucks were LHD 143 450hp 6×2 tag axle Topline Streamlines, perfect. You can’t get a better looking wagon! What I really want to do is find out as much about these two as possible when they were in use in the UK. Do you know any of Davies drivers who piloted either of these trucks? How far have either truck travelled across Europe and Asia? Any photos, contact info or information will be highly appreciated.
I know where J777 is now but no one knows where J888 ended up. An acquaintance of mine owned J888 after Davies but we’re not sure where it went after he had it. Again any help would be great. Email me or leave a comment below.
Photos are from Facebook groups but credit to the photographers!
I found this article on a Dutch website called ponpersportaal.nl but there is no English version so I have translated it. Enjoy the translation and enjoy the article;
Unique MAN TGL volume combination for 120 m3 Sagar transport can now load pallets Leusden three layers, 29 april 2014-Sagar transport in the Drenthe recently put a unique combination Rolled in. It is a MAN TGL 12,250 Euro 6 rigid with reduced base and a Krone-trailer. The combination offers up to 120 m3 loading volume. The internal load height is up to a whopping 3.15 metres – enough for three layers pallets. The combination is mainly used for the transport of packaging material, such as empty drums of steel and plastic.
“There are few if any other distribution trucks – because that is the MAN TGL – that so many loading volume offer”, said Herman Weringa, Director of Sagar transport. “This particular combination is the result of the intensive cooperation between MAN-dealer Sommerauer Trucks in Westerbroek, Compaan bodywork in Assen and Krone Trailers in Germany. For our environmental performance, we wanted a loading space in which we could carry in three layers and pallets that is so successful. CO2 emissions per pound of cargo that goes down. That suit corporate social responsibility (CSR) that we have made in our business operations with a view to the ISO 14001 certification. ”
17.5-inch wheels the chassis of the MAN TGL 12,250 and of the Krone trailer is very low thanks to the Assembly of 17.5-inch wheels. That makes a higher building possible. The combination is equipped with a hydraulically adjustable roof. Weringa: “the driver can choose from three heights. By default, the height in the cargo compartment 3.05 metres, but the roof is in two steps to 3.10 and up to 3.15 meters. That offers just what more latitude. Moreover, the roof to bring up another 40 inches to easy to load without damaging the roof. ”
Twelfth MAN the MAN TGL-combination goes to customers in the Benelux countries and in Germany. He also performed with a sleeper cab. It is the latest addition to the fleet of Sagar transport, which consists of 45 vehicles. Three years ago became the first MAN deployed. The TGL-combination is the twelfth MAN in the fleet. Weringa: “the man’s TGX.
The trucks gave birth to good, in terms of both consumption and reliability. Also very important is the customized service, which has shown once again at the dealer Sommerauer delivery of the new MAN TGL.
For those of us on the more regulated side of the pond, we can only dream of Big Pete’s, K’Whoppers, Bulldog Macks (with or without a can on the back!) and the like, we have to put up with our length regulated, cab-over trucks (for most of us). If any of you are anything like me then I long to go back to the States now I’ve got other the need to go to Disneyland, I’d rather go to Florida to meet up with man behind the camera and CB interviews of Big Rig Videos, Christopher. I love just watching trucks rolling along the motorway as it is, but Big Rig Videos brings us all the trucks and big rig from the US, well all those that and trucking up and down Florida on their way to and from where ever. For example the big orange Peterbilt from Fox Trucking above is on a fairly decent length trip from Denver, Colorado down to Miami, Florida. That’s just over 2,000 miles and something like 8 states, for comparison, it’s virtually the same distance as Manchester, England to Istanbul, Turkey.
As its Sunday, then why not get the roast dinner out the way, then put your feet up and spend an hour or so enjoying some of the videos on the Big Rig Videos YouTube Channel. Well worth the time I can tell you. The Gold Digga Pete is another quality looking truck that has been loved and cared for by its owner and lavished with all kinds of custom parts and paint work. The HD quality of the videos makes them all the more enjoyable as does the odd burble of American muscle, listen to the Caterpillar engine purring away in the first 30 seconds of the video above, just awesome! Please make sure you check Big Rig Videos out at some point;
Big Rig Videos Website – Click HERE
Big Rig Videos YouTube – Click HERE
Big Rig Videos Facebook – Click HERE
Last but not least, I will put up a video I have put on the blog before, but for me it is one of the best looking Amercian rigs I have seen. Plain and simple and in a lovely deep purple colour, the only way the video could have been slightly better, would have been catching the rig loaded, but you can’t have everything. Keep on trucking – 10-4 over and out!!
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