The White Truck Muster - Kyabram, March 21-22, 2009

It'd be interesting to see a Euclid or two at the show. Thanks to Peter Marquet for sending this through.

The Bedford Bar? Where else but New Zealand!

There are several great bastions around the world that you can visit relatively easily and see old trucks still working away in large numbers. Malta immediately springs to mind and, perhaps less known, Turkey's not too bad either (I still regret not being quick enough with the camera when we drove passed a Mack B61...and not having a long enough lens to shoot the long row of LAD-cabbed Leylands parked about 500 metres off the road...then there's the little 1940s Chev tankers and...). To some extent you'd have to include Australia as a place to see old bangers "in the wild" as they pull more than their weight (literally!) in the various rural industries.

However, if you want to go somewhere that seems to have a greater proportion of old gear still working and feel like mixing it with some great scenery, New Zealand would have to be the place to go. After all, the country is home to the greatest private vintage truck collection in the world - The Bill Richardson collection in Invercargill.

In particular, New Zealand has fairly recently become known as a bit of a Bedford haven with many of the post-war models still getting about. It makes sense, then, that you'd have a restaurant dedicated to the marque. Howard Pettigrew sent in these pics of The Bedford Bar in Hope right up the top of the South Island. Besides being a tribute to the Bedford marque and its contribution to the local communities, there is a K-type parked out the front, another in the beer garden and the owners have revealed a delightful sense of humour by modifying the Bedford Griffin logo to include "feeding tools" and maintained the theme by being clever with the names of dishes on the menu (click on the photo to see a bigger version).

Now, if you're feeling a bit parched and need a feed, could you not think of a better place to park yourself than an old truck-themed establishment?

Original International K4 still turns heads

Above: This photograph must have been taken very early in the life of the K4. The paintwork is very new (dark blue) and the small square on the top of the windscreen is a temporary registration note used before plates were issued from the (then) Motor Registration Branch. The photograph also illustrates the set-up for tank and windmill erections.

For those of you who have been to the Road Transport Hall of Fame in Alice Springs (sadly, I can't say I am on that list yet), you may remember a little blue Inter K4 sitting happily in her original civilian paint. This is the story behind one of the smallest vehicles on display at Australia's greatest heritage transport venue. Ian Hinks reports.

Our K4 International was “demobbed” in about 1946 and was purchased very soon after by an engineer who resided in Ballarat (as the door sign indicates). The business specialised in the installation of water tanks and the erection of windmill towers. The truck was purchased through the local IHC dealer who had checked out the condition of the truck after Army use. The truck was fitted with new tyres, a new exhaust system and provided with four new wheel caps.

She was originally built with only half doors and cabin - a typical Army style. The cabin finished about seven or eight inches above the windscreen top. The new owner, Mr Ellis, proceeded to build the cabin top and two full-length doors. These additions are wood-framed and the doors contain wind-up windows. At the rear of the truck, and located between the chassis rails and under the tray, was the necessary poles and winch gear required to erect the windmill stands. One legacy of her wartime involvement is the small clip attached to the dashboard just near the glove box. This leather-covered clip was for holding a rifle vertically and could be readily got at if required.

After working around the area for some years the truck was pensioned off and relegated to a shed during the 1970s. In 1984 she was purchased and taken to Mildura. By this time the truck had been well used as seen from the fading paintwork, numerous bumps and scratches. The engine had seen better days and the purchaser sold it to my son, David. The truck participated in the 1993 Mildura Vintage Vehicles Club Easter Rally where it created smiles and comments from many because of the signwriting on the tray sides. Participants in the rally from the Ballarat area said they could remember the truck working in their area.

Above: the K4 as seen in 1993.

Unfortunately the engine was very tired and smoky so David gave it a set of rings which improved the performance no end. No other alterations or additions were made. The truck remains ‘as found’.

In 1995 the family and friends decided to attend the opening of the Alice Springs Road Transport Hall of Fame. Preparations were made with the intention of driving three trucks – a 1951 Ford tray, a 1948 International KB6 tray and a 1942 ‘Jailbar’ Ford tray. Nearing the departure date the 1951 played up so, rather than chance the trip, David loaded up the 1944 K4 on the back of his working bee (apiarist) 1966 Ford F700 and accompanied the two others.

The idea was, as the Hall of Fame would have a lack of exhibits in its early stages, to leave the K4 with the museum as an example of an unrestored, original working truck. Twelve years later the truck is still there and still creating much interest to visitors.

SOS from Jim Armstrong - Bedford restorer

A request for help from Jim Armstrong:

I moved to Australia from Scotland in October 08. In Scotland I had and have had a lot of old Bedford trucks and I swore I wouldn't get involved with any old trucks on this side of the globe (Ed - no point fighting it, Jim)but, hey, I've gone and done it again and bought a little 30cwt Bedford J-type. I need some bits and bobs for her and was wondering if anyone can help. I'm looking for a set of Bedford J hubcaps, a mint front bumper, a pair of new or mint front wings/mudguards and, if possible, a genuine pair of front side-parking lights and a new rubber cab floor mat. Please get in touch if you can help by email ( tarmacrepairsATyahoo.co.uk ) or by calling 0432 381 501.

Speaking of Fodens...magnificent refueler

Since we're on the subject, I've had this magnificent photo from the world's luckiest truck hunter, Jonathan Pye, in reserve for several months now. JP came to Australia from the UK in 1991 for a lengthy holiday. In the process, he managed to turn up some remarkable old trucks still working for a living (and some that had been ridden hard and put away wet!). This Foden is just one of his finds and, like the others, you have to wonder where it is now. Surely something as cool as this still survives? JP continues:

I saw this one still in service at Merimbula Airport, New South Wales, in February 1991. Apparently, she started off life at London Heathrow Airport in the early 1950s before heading to Australia (for 10 pounds I wonder?). Merimbula was the first smallish airport I stopped off at just to see what refuellers they might have! My jaw dropped several feet when I saw the Foden going about her business around and between the aircraft (fueled by the same kerosene she supplied to the aircraft). Of course I was convinced there must be other similar gems at other airfields and I went miles out of my way on several occasions hoping to catch another one in use. It was only much later on my trip when I talked to a BP Australia engineer who informed me that "The one in Merimbula was the last one in Australia in use!" Happy memories of beginners luck!

Honour for Foden designer

John Salisbury, publicity officer for The Foden Society, has written in with news of a well deserved honour.

Mr Jack Mills MBE has been awarded Honorary Presidency of the Foden Society. For those who don't know who Jack Mills is, he is the man that, in 1946, designed Foden's four-spring, balance beam, rear suspension used on rigid vehicles. This design continued in production on Foden vehicles right up until the advent of rubber suspension in the late 1970s. He also designed spiral-finned brake drums to assist brake cooling and many of the cabs in the 1960s. Jack was awarded the MBE in the 1954 New Year's honours for the part he played in the research and development of the legendary Foden two-stroke diesel engine (Ed - a most deserved honour!). By the time Jack retired from Fodens in 1979 he had been promoted to the board of Directors.

You don't see many of these around...or do you?

Answering the call for surviving rare International 190 cabovers was Cam McFadyen of South East Queensland Tilt Trays with these photos from a couple of years ago of a reasonably complete survivor. Cam sais she was parked out the front of Price's Truck Spares in Dalby so it's quite likely she was sold in one piece. Has anyone stumbled across her in their travels? Does anyone recognise her colours?

You don't see many of these around

From Barry Kitto, Western Australian collector, restorer and owner of one of these uncommon Internationals, comes this interesting picture which I'm assuming is the front page of a sales brochure. Besides Barry's former US Navy example, Murray Langford in Mt Gambier has the mortal remains of another truck and there is a rather nice example hacking around in New Zealand belonging to a well-known collector. Are there any more downunder?

Heritage Truck Show, Beenleigh, Qld - May 16-17, 2008

Long after the ovens have gone cold in Auckland...

Answering my request for a photo of the former Cowan bakery buildings in Auckland was probably the best person for the job - Lou Cowan. Besides the photo, he had this to add:

The bakery building now houses an importing jeweller (Ed: and what looks like a dog groomer's but is probably just a hairdresser's!). In the days of the bakery the family lived upstairs with the bakery and shop downstairs. The horses were stabled in the yard behind the bakery but were often left to graze on the lush grassy slopes of Mt Eden. Prior to the one horsepower cart there was an earlier means of delivery - a large wicker basket carried by the sons who hoofed it on foot to serve all of the 'home delivery' and commercial customers like hotels etc. Those were the days!

Thanks Lou. All that photo needs is a V8 Ford panel parked out the front.

Delivering the bread in Auckland

Lou Cowan has just written in with a couple of very old photos of his family's early bakery vehicles. Lou writes:

From 1882 until 1952 (or thereabouts) the Cowan family owned Cowan's Bakery in Auckland's Mt Eden. The bakery building, still standing in Mt Eden Road, still has the ovens inside but has long since ceased baking. The first photo shows great-uncle Claude Cowan on his classic commercial vehicle - a one horsepower delivery cart. The second photo shows a much later model. As near as I can determine it is a 1939 Ford Panel Truck. This one had a few more horsepower!

So, straight from the horse's mouth as it were. A challenge for the Kiwis (or maybe just the JAFAs...) - any one got a photo of the old Cowan bakery building as it is today?

SS Road Train - a disturbing photo but inspiration for ACC's first photo challenge

Okay, okay, so it's another bloody modern truck (or at least half of it). However, this photo, kindly sent in by Ray O'Halloran (but taken by someone else), has provided the seed for the first photo challenge of this blog. What we see here is what looks like a T900-series Kenworth triple that has come unstuck (stuck is probably the better term) at the Creswell Creek Crossing in Queensland. I have no time stamp for these pics so do not know whether they are from the recent floods that are paralysing the two great states of NSW and Qld. I can only imagine/hope the driver got stuck, escaped to safety and the waters have since risen further.

The challenge? ACC is all about old trucks and buses so it is your job to come up with classic commercial vehicles operating in extreme conditions. They can be old or new photos but they must show the old vehicle battling dust, mud, water, snow, mountains of rocks, beach sand or whatever. An accompanying story would be cool too if possible. There will be a prize for the winner once I think of one.

As big as the road train above is, it is tiny compare to the size and impact of the flooding. Here's to those who have been affected - I hope the road to recovery is an easy one to follow.

Email your submissions to accemagATbigpond.com (replacing the AT with @). This may all end in tears and I may not get one photo (kidding myself the blog is relatively popular!) so here's a rather extreme example of the type of stuff I'm after (AEC Mandator tanker taking a short cut in the NT. Neil Fraser collection):

The old truck movement in New Zealand is certainly blossoming

As many of you know, the magazine and, subsequently, this blog were/are intended to spread the good word on old trucks and buses in Australia AND New Zealand. Of course, being in Australia and sadly not having been to NZ since I was 2 (30 years ago), the majority of stories have naturally been from Australia. Here's a little something from Mike Houghton to re-dress this balance a little.

Not as many trucks as promised turned up for the run to the Blossom Festival in late September due to the adverse weather predicted. This turned out to be very prophetic as after leaving Palmerston and heading up State Highway 85 (The Pig Root) the weather closed in and as we climbed out of Poolburn over the saddle to Omakau we ran into heavy rain and then snow.

This continued as we carried on to Alexandra where we arrived at 10am to assemble at a local carriers yard for a very welcome cuppa. The proposed 11am start to the Blossom Festival was delayed until 1pm so the BBQ was cranked up and all the drivers fed and watered with copious amounts of tea and coffee.

Once things were officially underway all of the local carriers, and some from further afield, formed up for the parade with the oldies (us!) bringing up the rear as usual. Approximately 70 trucks participated and it really did look impressive. The weather cleared but a cold wind remained and the kids on the parade floats managed to avoid freezing by adding thermals under their costumes. There was an amazing turnout with lots of pipe bands and brass bands in the parade between the floats of all the local companies.

The Southern Classic Commercials then went on display beside the showgrounds where the side shows and amusments were running. As usual, a lot of memories came out from the usual old timers looking at the display which, in this writer's opinion, is the best part of all.

By late afternoon we all packed up and departed for Cromwell. We climbed the hill beside the Clyde Dam and headed up the Cromwell Gorge where we crossed the river and arrived at our overnight stop complete with restaurant and bar. Needless to say, a very pleasant evening was had by all and ended with the usual informal meeting called by organiser John Sime to decide on where the Christmas run would be held.

After a hot breakfast on Sunday morning (which was needed owing to there being a very white frost) we all headed off towards Wanaka and from there to the Treble Cone Skifield turnoff where we formed up for the one hour drive into the Matukituki Valley for lunch. This was a rough but beautiful drive through many fords and narrow bluffs on a shingle road. Luckily it had been wet so there was no dust to cover the paintwork.

After lunch and a lot of photos, this writer and co-pilot left for our four-hour drive home while the rest continued back to Wanaka Airfield and the transport museum for scones and a cuppa for afternoon tea. Everone had a marvellous time although Jack Soper who drove the Leyland Comet became ill and was unable to do the Sunday drive. Another of the usual drivers then took the Comet over and put his car on the tray and was able to complete the run. An unexpected bonus for him!

Above: pleasing to see this late '40s/early '50s Chev still in her working clothes and getting out and about. Below: Jack Soper's Comet has lived and worked in Southland for its whole life. Jack also did the South Island Long Lap in October 2007 and the truck ran like a clock. Mike, the author, had trouble keeping up with it in his Ergo-cabbed Beaver!

Quirindi Vintage Machinery and Miniature Railway Rally and Swap Meet - May 2-3, 2009

The Sydney Bus and Truck Museum

Above: a magnificent pair of double deckers. Having gone through the museum's website and noticing several of the same type that, to me, look the same but differ in age, I'm simply going to identify (hopefully correctly!) these two as a Leyland Titan OPD2/1 and an AEC Regent Mk III.

Peter Lynch visited this marvellous museum late last year and was full of praise for the hospitality, exhibits and value for money. Here's what he had to say:

I was up in Sydney recently and took the chance to visit the Sydney Bus and Truck Museum at Tempe. They have a large collection of vintage trucks and buses going back as far as 1914. I was particularly taken with the big White semi-trailer bus which dominated the entrance area. This museum is run by volunteers from the HCVC of New South Wales who welcome local and overseas visitors alike. The modest entry fee includes a vintage bus trip and I enjoyed the local sights from the top deck of a beautifully restored Leyland.

Above: the White semi-bus referred to by Peter. The prime mover is 1943 M3A1 White Scout Car converted to RHD by Motor Body Assemblies for a bookmaker and his family and was/is equipped with four seats, a wardrobe and a toilet. So, clearly, the original trailer was not intended for use as public transport! When discovered derelict by a museum member in 1980, only the prime mover was salvageable but a 53-seat trailer was found shortly after to complete the combination. Only 123 semi-trailer buses served in Australia so this is a remarkable "tilt of the hat" to them.

For more on the museum and its collection, visit http://www.sydneybusmuseum.com/

Pictures are worth a thousand words so without further ado, here's a couple more stunning vehicles from the Lynch lens. I've attempted to add further detail from the museum website where possible but, particularly with the buses, my identification/matching skills may have let me down!

Above: the museum's 1952 Leyland Hippo imported new to work at Sydney's Charles Kingsford Smith Airport. Donated by Shell in 1990, her tank has a capacity of 1,500 gallons. Stopping on vacuum-assisted hydraulic brakes, her Leyland 600 diesel produces 125 bhp at 1800 rpm, displaces 9.8 litres and her six pistons run through a bore of 4.8 inches over a stroke of 5.5. Below: 1952 AEC Regal Mk III. A former Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board machine, she was rescued by a syndicate of four museum members in 1982. In comparison to the Hippo's engine above, this bus has an AEC six-cylinder diesel producing 125 bhp at 1800 rpm with a bore of 4.72 inches and a stroke of 5.59. The little Bedford between the AEC and Leyland is a 1937 WLG with under 13,000 miles on the clock and still on her original tyres.

The Long Lap - New Zealand...North Island this time!

Remember the Bill Richardson Memorial Run (The Long Lap) held over what turned out to be my birthday weekend in October 2007 (had I known!)? Remember the stunning Howard Pettigrew (www.commer.org.nz) photos of old trucks against the stunning New Zealand South Island scenery? Well, I had heard rumours of there being a North Island Long Lap in October of this year but Mike Houghton, Leyland "Beaver Steer" owner and afficianado (so therefore a most honourable chap as you can see below), asked around and said it wasn't happening this year. However, he's just let me know that the Labour long weekend in October 2010 will be the date for the North Island Long Lap. So, start making your plans for NILL (assuming Alice 2010 doesn't eat up all of your funds and leave!).

I believe we're off to a wedding in Wales around about October so...

FOR SALE: Mack B-61 long wheelbase body truck, 673 Mack engine (just had $12,000 spent on it), Mack Duplex box, Mack 44,000lb diffs on Camelback suspension, power assisted steering, excellent chassis, no rust in rails, good tyres, cab has some rust. $20,000 ono ph 0403 045 501

Mobile hay stack - ACCO at work

Mark Holloway doing what I reckon we'd all like to do with our trucks - making her do what she does best. An update on Mark's rolling restoration of the ACCO is somewhere in the story backlog so it'll be on here soon.

Time capsule Foden

Perhaps I should call this a time warp back to 1955? Bruce Gunter discovered this phenomenal FG Foden last year. Before you think "nice restoration", read on as Bruce takes up the story.

Dad and I visited Rob Woolley in early September and learnt a bit about the family's trucks and the history of the company. Rob's Grandfather started off carting fuel for COR and we were able to go over some great pre-war photos taken by him of various fuel tankers. Moving into coal, he started with a Commer Superpoise (at least he had some taste) and then bought this Foden in 1955. The quick success of the coal business led to the purchase of another FG Foden followed by a stunningly finished Foden prime mover, possibly an S36, along with a Thames Trader and a couple of Seddons. After 22 years the business got out of coal and began to cart spring water for Orchy. A succession of Volvos followed, mostly F86s and G88s, and everything was painted the same with sign writing etc and maintained in immaculate condition.

The Foden was stored under a tarp in Lithgow before they moved to Sydney and has been shedded ever since. She was repainted once in the late '60s by Rob’s Dad and that is how you see her. She's an absolute time warp – Rob's grandfather's white cotton gloves are still hanging on the back wall of the cab and his boots are still under the driver’s seat. He has all of the books and paperwork including the cheque butt and original receipt from the 100 pound deposit! She has a Gardner and a 12 speed but hasn’t been run for about 15 years and was last registered in 1974. The colours are FJ Special two-tone green which his Grandfather saw on a new FJ Holden in a dealership. That colour is still used by Rob as seen on one of his Volvo tankers in the photo below.

With regard to the Foden, Rob has a new bout of enthusiasm and before too long will have the truck re-wired, fired up and on club rego. Once he learns how to change gears, he’ll be out holding up the traffic!

If you would like to see more photos of the Foden and the Woolley fleet and find out more about the company, Bruce is writing a detailed history for a forthcoming issue of Truckin' Life.

Above: this paint work is at least 39 years old. Amazing.

Above: one of the very, very rare times you'll see a modern truck on this blog!

Norway's Tommy Run - the last run of the season (Oct 08)

As regular readers of ACC will know, the Norwegians love their old trucks and certainly go on some interesting runs. Regular contributor Lars Petter Skau sent in these words and pictures.

We've been holding the Tommy Run for several years now. Tommy Olsen is the organiser of the event so that's where the name comes from! It's the traditional last run before the winter and snow comes to Norway. We drive a route planned by Tommy and finish with a dinner and much talking in a cafe (Ed - we're all the same!).

Above: Volvo N84, Scania LS80, Scania Vabis L50 Super, Scania Vabis L36 (both Vabis' are powered by a four-cylinder engine) and Scania LS 81 with an awesome load and equally impressive loading arm. Below: book-ended by Scanias, Lars' well-travelled International is joined by a tidy N-series (?) Volvo.

Below: this Scania LS111 was on its first run after restoration. Lars, if you read this, what's the significance of the girls on the radiators? Are they tyre advertisements?

Awesome 10x6 Atki...yes, 10x6!

Rufus Carr, one of several Northern Territory-based ACC readers, sent in this June 2008 photo in early November. He says:

Last pic is a 10x6 Atkinson.This is one of two 10x6 Atkinsons that Noel Herrod ran new on cattle trains out of Charters Towers. She is seen here in Katherine, NT but the present owner lives in Townsville and travels about putting up phone towers etc for Telstra. A couple of months after this phto was taken we were on holiday in the Cape York region and there she was again at Lakeland near Cooktown.

Sydney Antique Machinery Club - September 20, 2008

Mark Bowman visited the SAMC's show in September of last year but encountered camera problems. While he enjoyed himself, he was only able to take these four photos! He writes:

The emphasis was on stationary engines and tractors however there were about a dozen or so trucks (Ed - so despite the camera problems, Mark still managed to get 33% of the trucks attending!). There was also a contingent of army vehicles and motor bikes. There were a few stalls selling spares and tools and even one selling handbags. I assume that was for the husbands who had dragged their wives to yet another "old machine meet". You had to be careful crossing the roads as a couple of huge steam tractors were hairing around the tracks at nearly 4 kmh! Next time I'm putting the right memory card in the camera!

Above: a very tidy 1946 Chev of around the 1500cwt size. Below: I'm sure I saw this AS110 (?) at Dubbo in July. Ah, just reminded myself that I haven't shared my Dubbo pics...oh dear.

Above: a tidy Morris Commercial LC3 in good company. Below: an unrestored example of the ubiquitous International S-model.

Success for inaugural HCVC SA meeting

Above: an impressive turn out indeed. The Bedford J2 next to the Langford Kenworth is owned by reader Duncan Margetts. Photo by Murray Langford.

September 6, 2008 was an important date for South Australian enthusiasts when we formally established a branch of the HCVC in our state writes Murray Langford.

Both the organising families, the Craigs and the Langfords, were overwhelmed to see the crowd of approximately 70 friendly faces at the Tanunda inaugural meeting. Enthusiasts were there from all over the state and it was no problem getting nominations for official positions. So we are underway, everyone is positive and good ideas are flowing.

A big thank you from all of us to Judy and Jim Craig who organised the meal on Saturday night and to all of those who helped them get it on the table. We also have to thank Jim for arranging the visits to the three collections which had something for everyone and finished the weekend off nicely.

Thank you to the Victorian members who made the trip to support us on this occasion. Your help was appreciated and when we get our events programme in motion we would like to see you back again.

Well, we are underway and now it would be great to have a succession of events being planned for the years ahead. If you would like to plan an event or have ideas we could use, I would like to hear from you.

Please contact Andy for Murray’s details if you don’t already have them.

Photo request -> Meningie - Rigs on the Run - November 1, 2008

I don't think I've heard anything about this event. Can anyone fill me in?

How to bed your rings and de-glaze your bores...

This is probably a photo many of you have seen already particularly the Victorian and SA chaps. Similarly, many of you will have seen photos of Murray Langford's stunning 1969 12-cylinder Kenworth LW924. Murray decided she needed to do a bit of work...

A visit to Bob Addison's collection

On August 30 (I told you there was a lot of catching up to do!), members of the Historic Commercial Vehicle Club travelled to see Bob Addison's massive collection in Beaufort, Victoria. Spread across a couple of sites and numerous sheds, the members were able to spend many a happy hour admiring the trucks, crawlers, tractors and vintage machinery. The Peter Lynch photos below are just a small selection of some of the trucks seen on the day.

Above: early pair - D-series Inter and a K4 or K5 at rest in the paddock.

Above: as always the LAD-cabbed truck gets pride of place as per my perogative! A good looking Albion on what appears to be a Reiver chassis. She would be most useful around the home. Note the AEC Mammoth Major Mk III in the background recently purchased from restorer Ken Whitworth.

Above: marvellously original-looking Atkinson in Midland Milk colours. If I had Peter's Atkinson book handy, I'd be able to identify the model for you but I'll guess and say Mk I? Midland Milk, and its Shepparton plant, was acquired by The Dairy Farmers Co-operative Milk Co. Ltd in 1993.

Above: slap some plates on this Ford F8000 and she'd look ready for a day's work.

The Hills of Adelaide Road Run - June 6-7, 2009

Entries close May 9, 2009.

2nd Hunter Valley Vintage Truck Muster - May 16-17, 2009

C is for Canadian Commer

At the same time news came through about the South African Commer recovery, Peter Scarr of Lake Erie in Canada took delivery of this Mk III.

Apart from broken headlights and a stolen Commer badge, the truck is amazingly complete. Peter reckons it’s come out of a time capsule. The extra lights situated alongside the grille are actually factory-fitted but not widely seen on surviving Commers.

Believe it or not, the Commer has been sitting outside all of its life and still wears her original paint on the cab and chassis. In fact, the only rust present is on the surface where the paint has worn away. Despite having a lot of experience with old trucks and c*rs, Peter has never seen a vehicle that has survived so well.

Details at hand suggest she was last registered in 1961 when she was just five years old. It is therefore quite possible the 75,000 miles on the clock are all she has ever done. If used on interstate work, it would be reasonable to expect she would have done 175,000 miles or more.

The TS3 was pulled out for repair, probably in 1961, and never refitted. The “Dodo Egg” gearbox (genuine early Commer four-speed overdrive) is still there and delivered the grunt to a high-speed diff. Another indication of her intended interstate work is the massive, long range saddle-type fuel tank. Her low mileage, however, is supported by the pedals (and to a lesser extent the gauges and steering wheel) showing very little wear.

Continuing the time capsule “walk around”, all the wheels on the short 115-inch chassis turn freely (air-over-hydraulic brakes...on a 1956 Mk III!) and, amazingly, all of the tyres remain inflated and proudly display “Made in England” on their walls! Another indicator of low mileage surely? Finally, and again unusually, she is fitted with Armstrong shock absorbers on the front and rear. These appear factory-fitted and perhaps indicate she was used to transport fragile goods.

A mystery yes, but surely unique in North America? Probably but wouldn't it be cool if she wasn’t the only one!

Thanks again to Howard Pettigrew for permission to use the above photos.

Timely South African rescue

The Rootes Group of vehicle manufacturers was well known for spreading its products throughout the world. Obviously, you’d have more chance of finding such vehicles in Commonwealth countries (although Commers are still active in Norway) but how often are South Africa and Canada, despite their close British ties, mentioned in the same sentence as Commer trucks?!

South African Keith Wetmore had heard rumours about a TS3-engined Commer lying on a farm several hours north of Cape Town. A fellow club member drove to the little town of Graafwater and returned with photos which were circulated to some other members.

A Graafwater truck and ute repairer had bought the Commer off a farmer but was forced to sell it to a scrap dealer in order to cover some expenses. Some frantic calling tracked down the scrappy whose crew was on its way to break up the truck. A price was agreed, the crew turned around and, two days later, Keith and his mates went up in the pouring rain to collect the Mk IV.

Although the rolling chassis is in good condition despite some easily repairable rust, some work was performed on site to actually make her mobile. Keith has since removed the body and discovered the only missing parts for the entire truck are an injector pipe and minor piping. This missing piping points to a problem with fuel in the past and could be why the former water bowser was parked up for the past 20 years.

The truck is the complete package – both vehicle and engine are rare in South Africa. Once restoration is complete, Keith will display her at various vintage shows. All the best with your cracking truck, Keith!

Thanks to Howard Pettigrew for permission to use the photo above.