Unique and fascinating collection explored in East Anglia

We get exclusive access to a unique and fascinating collection of classic commercial vehicles and parts that’s come to light in East Anglia.

There’s no getting away from it; sourcing parts for older British lorries from the 1980s back can be tricky, and gets harder with each passing year. They aren’t making them any more, so what we have now is all that we will ever have. What’s more, because the whole business of commercial vehicle preservation is somewhat specialist, it can take an expert eye to distinguish sought-after spare parts from stuff that’s simply scrap.

Another issue is that much of what’s left is in the hands of people who have had it a long time, are getting on a bit in years and, not to put too fine a point on it, will not be with us forever. Then, when they do pass on, the risk is that other assets will be seen as more valuable, and the lorry stuff will, for speed and convenience, just be sent for scrap.

These days ‘brownfield’ development sites are highly sought after, and even a pretty modest plot can easily have a value running into millions. In most cases, whoever has inherited the site will want to see it converted into cash as quickly as possible, and a few thousand quid’s worth of lorry parts will be neither here nor there; in most cases the priority will be to get the site cleared as quickly as possible, and in most cases the quickest way is to have a scrap metal dealer clear the lot!

Anyway, we were recently made aware, via our good friends Neal and Nigel Davies, of a very significant stash of spares and possible restoration projects just on the Lincolnshire side of the Lincolnshire and Norfolk border. We should probably at this point mention that the site is now very well protected by security of the electronic and canine variety, along with other means of keeping the site secure; in fact we’ll go as far as to say that anyone who does enter uninvited is running a very real risk of personal injury!

The site formerly ran as a lorry breaking business, with engine and other component exports to China as a major line. However, that business dried up when China became able to make spare parts and components themselves rather than bring them in from abroad. The owner is also a particular fan of Gardner engines, and extremely knowledgeable about them.

The site is known among local enthusiasts, but it’s one of those places where in the past you’ve needed to be known to be able to buy anything. However, the owner is now in his eighties and recognises that it is, perhaps, time for some of his collection to go to people who can make good use of them.

He does not, however, want to deal with enquiries directly, and has ask Neal and Nigel to act as intermediaries and a first point of contact for any enquiries. It should also be noted that Neal, Nigel and the owner all know the value of what is there; this is not a clearance sale that will net anyone a complete Gardner engine for fifty quid! Rather, its an opportunity for lorry owners, repairers and restorers to get their hands on stuff which may be scarce now and will be more so in the future.

As our photos show, there are also numerous complete and almost-complete lorries on site, which may well be available to purchase complete. All have, however, been standing outside for many years and if restorable at all, are likely to be major projects. Others are probably best regarded as parts donors, though we have seen worse bought back from the brink!

To find out more and/or to make enquiries about the availability of specific items, contact Neal and Nigel by email to neal@nealdavis.co.uk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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