Truck shows are back!

Posted by Chris Graham on 16th September 2022

As the pandemic fades into the history books, truck shows are back. Gaydon held its annual event in the summer and there was plenty to see.

Truck shows are back: Given it was a staple of the UK truck scene throughout the 1980s, there are too few Leyland T45 models on the show scene, especially rigids. This lovely Constructor 8×4 with the full width cab was a real head-turner. An old 1950s Albion Chieftain is on the back.

There are two great trucks shows at the British Motor Museum at Gaydon each year, but like so many events the pandemic either saw them cancelled or re-dated. But 2022 saw the annual June show back, and good weather saw an impressive turn out of both exhibits and visitors.

Two classic Volvo 6×2 tags, a Version 1 F12 and a Version 2 F10, the latter has a famous ‘10 Turbo 6’ badge that was actually not carried on with this model when new.

The show is more of a mix of oldies from the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s, but there are always plenty of newer models from the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s for people to enjoy and photograph. There’s always a lot of ERFs, Scanias, Volvos, Fodens and others to revel in seeing.

One of the best looking Scania R143M.450 V8s – in a very traditional livery… Lovely!

It’s not quite as impressive an event as the Retro Truck Show in September – which we’ll be at for sure – but nevertheless, it’s always great to just wander round Gaydon, enjoying the hardware on show, talking to the owners and browsing the sales stands. Long may it continue!

A lovely MAN 26.414 tractor was superbly restored and one of the best exhibits that attended.

A superb MAN 16.240 day cab tractor was something new to enjoy at this year’s show.

While Gaydon will never compete with Kelsall for the number of ERFs on show, there were still plenty to see, such as this fine pair of EC11s.

Two iconic ERF models, an EC14 and an ECX, the latter design was the last ‘proper’ ERF!

A great line up of four ERF EC11s from PC Howard, a big user of the ERF’s back in their heyday.

Simple and plain, perhaps, but this ERF ECX with the Olympic cab still looks very impressive.

A great line up of some Swedish heavy metal! From left to right, Scania R144.530, R143.450, R470 and Volvo F12.

There’s a few Renault Magnums still on the road but they are getting rarer by the month. These two however are now regulars on the show scene.

This Bedford TM was a classic design of the 1970s, and could match the Europeans for a decent cab for the driver.

Early Volvo FH12s are becoming more popular for restoration. The FH cab first appeared some 30 years ago now!

This Perkins-powered ERF E12TX.325 was a typical gaffer’s motor of the 1980s. It looked magnificent!

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