Thought-provoking Thornycroft

Nick Baldwin recently came across what he describes as a ‘thought-provoking Thornycroft’ which, though it’s been standing in a Devon field for many years, would make an interesting restoration, albeit a large one in every sense.

“Back in May 2019, my ‘Thorny Thoughts’ feature was published in Classic & Vintage Commercials,” he explains. “Six months later, I came face-to-face with a thought-provoking Thornycroft, a Big Ben which, many years ago, was driven to what looked like its final resting place in Devon.

“It can, however, be saved from here, and letters to its sympathetic owner will be forwarded. He would like to see it preserved, has modest price expectations and may even be able to help with restoration work. It was parked in his field suffering with a faulty clutch dozens of years ago, after being driven many miles. He recalls a top speed of about 25mph, and a thirst for petrol of about 2mpg from its 11.32-litre, six-cylinder Thornycroft engine.

“In 1953, the Big Ben 6×4 10-tonner (or forty-ton) tractor was quoted as having eight or 12, constant mesh gears. Unfortunately, I couldn’t open the cab door to find out which this one has, and the owner can’t remember.

“Civilian versions often had a 155hp diesel version of the 180-200hp petrol engine, while the military types for the British and Indian armies were petrol-powered and equipped with winches. I’m assuming that the Devon survivor is ex-military, as it has a porthole in its roof and a winch.

“It would be good to see this vehicle back on the road although, at eight feet wide, it would certainly be quite a handful.”

Enquiries from seriously interested parties sent to CVC.ed@kelsey.co.uk will be forwarded, though we would urge anyone thinking about taking this on, to take full account of the practicalities of restoration and subsequent ownership.

 

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