Sprat & Winkle Run highlights in sunny Hastings!

Posted by Chris Graham on 22nd March 2024

Robert Meller reports from sunny Hastings on the interesting machines that caught his eye taking part in the ever-popular Sprat & Winkle Run.

Michael Green’s 1928 Austin 12, registered KX 1152 was originally a car, but got converted for use by a coal merchant.

Now in its 14th year, the Historic Commercial Vehicle Society’s Sprat & Winkle Run from Sevenoaks to Hastings has become an established part of the commercial vehicle road run season, and for many Kent, Surrey and Sussex enthusiasts it provides a final opportunity for a run-out before winter. Its second weekend in October date is also significant locally, as it’s usually close to the October 14th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings, and also marks the end of ‘Hastings Week’, a programme of events held every year to celebrate the anniversary.

We’ve featured Robert Smith’s AEC Militants in the past; this is his 1964 AEC Militant recovery vehicle, with Atlas crane.

Anyway, the run’s popularity continues to grow, though it is capped by limited parking-space at the Hastings finish, and for this reason artic owners have to leave their trailers at home. However, the end is also in the very heart of Hastings Old Town, where there is much to do and enjoy.

1971 ERF LV with Gardner 180 engine, entered by Mike Priest.

Anyway, here are a few of the vehicles which took part in the 2023 event; some will be familiar, others less so.

Mick Holder’s stunning 1977 Volvo F88-290 tractor unit.

1960 Commer QX, entered by Graham Rye.

Guy Maylam’s 1957 Commer Express will be familiar to former Classic Van readers. Discovered by Guy after 40 year’s storage, it’s now being conserved rather than fully restored.

Paul Chapman’s WW2-era 1941 Austin K3 3-ton has travelled extensively in Britain and Europe during his ownership.

Ex-Shipstones Brewery (Nottingham) 1955 Foden OG 4/6 owned and entered by the West family.

1957 AEC Mercury tanker, owned by Barry Cole and with the (few) remains of Hastings Castle in the background.

1952 Scammell MU ‘Cherry Blossom’, entered by Ethan Johnson.

Robert Wellock bought his 1999 ERF EC6 down from Yorkshire to take part in the run.

This report comes from the latest issue of Classic & Vintage Commercials, and you can get a money-saving subscription to this magazine simply by clicking HERE