Sponsored Video: The Vision Of Bentley Motors
From the beginnings in 1919 when Walter Owen Bentley first registered his name, via the racing years and the howl of mighty sports cars on the Mulsanne Straight through to the very latest in car manufacturing, Bentley have been at the forefront of prestige automotive design
It is the vision of that founding company that brings us today to the performance and beauty of the new Continental GT Speed – the most powerful Bentley yet
In a series of inspirational and beautifully produced videos that can be seen here, the Company are demonstrating what the pursuit of excellence means
In these days of mass marketing they are showing there is still room for the word ‘bespoke’ in the motoring lexicon; combining traditional craftsmanship with high tech solutions
As a result it comes as no surprise to learn that 90% of all Bentley production over nearly one hundred years is still on the road or preserved in functioning order
That’s a remarkable achievement
In these economically difficult times it may be hard to see the purpose of luxury cars and other products but it is because of them we get innovation and advances in safety and economy, for example
Without high end design the world would never move forward
There’s nothing wrong with having a dream and aspiring to better things
We all enjoy a bit of luxury and from the day that a new driver experiences the pleasure of their first car the die is cast
It is thanks to brands like Bentley Motors that we are able to do this
The continuing pursuit of excellence in automotive technology is thanks to the work of early pioneers like Walter Bentley
Without them the car would just be transport
This post has been sponsored by Bentley but all thoughts are our own
Barbers Shop MAN
As many of you will know, this was my 2nd truck in the BJS empire and if i’m honest I think it was also my favourite
Don’t get me wrong I loved the airbrushed Mercedes Atego I had, but with the little MAN 8.163 I did so much work and spent far more time away in it than the Atego (nights away), so I think that’s what made the bond stronger
The other thing I liked about the MAN was that I customised gently and very gradually
and really made her my own, whether you like the style or not, i’m not to fussed, it would appear that certain things didn’t go unnoticed by all
After the a while hard working trucks tend to loose there new look and shine, especially bodywork built by a bunch of blind hedgehogs in a bag
So it got to a point that the rear bumper was fairly rusty as the very thin paint had be eaten by the road salt and weather
It so happened that the factory paint on the prop shaft had gone the same way, so one weekend me and my Dad thought enough was enough and I reached for the sander, primer and tape
The rear bumper was a no brainer I thought i’d try the chevron look, please see above
But what to do with the prop shaft?? Well I thought i’d do something a little different…a barbers pole if you will
So as I drove along it would spiral down to the back…….I cannot tell you how hard it was to get the masking tape to stay evenly apart as I wound it round the pole (oo er Vicar!)
If I remember correctly it was even nearly all the way down apart from one little 6 inch stretch
Back in the day I could list on both hands the number of people who commented and noticed on the barbers pole, so these days I just see it as a bit of fun and also what made the truck individually mine, but today I had a comment on the blog that made it all come flooding back and made it seem all worth while
Comment Author : Matthew Morris Company: www.morristransport.co.uk Comment: “I was always a fan of your 7.5 tonners, especially the MAN L2000
I remember it having an interesting “stripey” prop shaft! We still own a P reg L2000 with the 224 hp engine
Still a pleasure to drive and sounds awesome with a straight through drag pipe!” You see I did have a fan! If I’d started a BJS fan club, I think it’s fair to say Matt could probably have been member 001
How I wish I could have my own Tonka Toy again, but times change as does the haulage industry
Perhaps one day
Any way in the mean time i’ll leave you with a photo of the smart back end I ended up with
The chevroned rear bumper didn’t last as the paint soon rusted up again
About the same time the cheap nasty rear door handles had virtually fallen off
The truck was sent to the best body builder in the country, Colliers Truck Builders, and new rear doors, new ally shiny handles and poles and I also got Colliers to rub the bumper back to the metal and paint it back in chassis grey
Boring but smart
The barbers pole stayed
Its Not All Grim Ooop North
Surely piloting a big Cummins powered Leyland Roadtrain can’t be a grim job?? Can it?? One of the UK’s last home grown truck talents
I love the big old Leylands, but there doesn’t seem to be many about now even on the show circuit, although I think I might be right in saying BH Cecil from Gloucestershire have one in restoration
The British Bulldog above was driven by top international heavy haulage pilot Stephen “Geordie” Pattison before his days of big red Scania’s
I have to say that Horns Transport from Tyneside is a new one on me, but some of you will no doubt
More Of A Personal Statement, Mr Bond
“…and what name would you like on the registration document, Sir?” “Bond, James Bond.” How much does it cost, do you think, to change your name by deed poll? Unfortunately, for most of us the sort of vehicle driven by JB in all his incarnations is out of the price bracket of we ordinary mortals, but it does no harm to day-dream
That’s what the Bond movies do, entertain and encourage aspiration to luxury and adventure
Whether it’s fashion or exotic locations or powerful sports cars we would all like to be in that particular driver’s seat
Such is the power of product placement
In the latest outing ‘Skyfall’, Bond is back to his best and driving one of the most iconic cars in British automotive history – the Aston Martin DB5
Amazingly, this design looks as fresh today as it did when introduced in 1963 and appeared for the first time in ‘Goldfinger’ (1964)
The bad news is that, if you really want one, you are looking at the thick end of £300k! That’s if you can prise the keys from the previous owner
Added to that would be the expense of removing the machine guns and ejector seat (health and safety – what can you do?) and substituting Bluetooth and a MP3 player
Let’s be truthful here
We aspire to better, faster cars because it makes us feel good
The car has long since ceased to be just a method of transport and has become a lifestyle choice
We like to customise our cars and, where possible, make them seem unique to us; a personal statement, if you like; an extension of our personality
Some owners like to cruise the boulevards or go to special event days
It says – look at me
How else can you explain the cult of spinners? We love the vicarious thrills and spectacle of motor racing
Danger without being in danger
For many enthusiasts, speed is of the essence
In those early days of the DB5, for example, there was a lot less traffic on the roads and driving fast was part of the experience
Many motorists of a certain age will remember those halcyon days because in the 21st Century those simple motoring pleasures are gone for good
That’s why we like the Bond movies
He does what we cannot
We’ve watched Aston Martin’s evolve and seen a host of exotic machinery smashed and broken
Lotus, Jaguar, Rolls Royce and many more from the manufacturers of the world have graced our screens
For that at least, we’re thankful
Anyway, back to our day-dream in the Aston Martin showroom
Negotiations are at a tricky stage: “Do you expect me to walk…?” “No Mr Bond, I expect you to buy!”
What Not To Do In Your Car
Talking on a mobile phone whilst driving is considered taboo
The amount of publicity surrounding this activity has been enormous and yet still we see people happily chatting away whilst driving with one, or even no, hands
Even hands-free kits are frowned upon
Everybody you talk to believes it to be a stupid thing to do but clearly some of these people are liars
So, we’re all agreed then? Well, no, actually
Researchers in China have come up with figures that show mobile phone usage on the move has not been shown to be responsible for as many accidents as had been previously thought; but let’s be clear from the outset – doing anything whilst driving that isn’t to do with driving is a bad idea
Concentration is all
Nevertheless, the Chinese State have found that banning mobiles hasn’t produced anywhere near the reduction in accidents they had hoped for
Apparently ‘frequent phone users’ do indeed have more accidents but – and this is the thing – they are by nature the sort of person who is more accident prone anyway
Poor drivers
It seems that this appears to be the result of bans worldwide
Not as good as governments hoped
Now this research, although widespread, may not be a sufficiently large sample to prove the point
There are other factors as well
People who eat a sandwich or tip their head back to neck a drink; folks who stretch out to reach for a CD or grope the person next to them are all essentially committing a dangerous act
Whilst we’re on the subject of driving taboos, the lighting, smoking and flicking of cigarettes is also a potential distraction but real scientific research has shown how quickly the toxic fumes build up, even with a window open
An adult smoking whilst driving with kids in the back of the car is risking the health of the ankle-biters twice essentially
Those non-smokers over a certain age will remember what it was like to walk into a smoke filled boozer
That’s what the inside of a smoker’s car is like
So, the argument isn’t resolved
No, it probably isn’t safe to do anything other than drive when driving
On the other hand there are many bad drivers crashing anyway
Perhaps the real answer could be tougher driver training, harder real driving tests (not made-up online questionnaires), year long probationary periods and even in car ‘black box’ style surveillance by insurance companies for those shown to be more at risk
All these things would no doubt cost money though
Simply saying you can’t do this or you can’t do that is mere political expediency
Banning things is free
It’s about being seen to do something about a problem without any serious response
The answer on our crowded roads is real-time, on-the-job driver training instead of just hoping that the police will spot transgressors
Guest Blog by Contract Hire A Car
Peak Truck Show 2012 by James Cartwright
Once again I will hand you over to top guest writer and photographer, Mr James Cartwright
If you want to see the rest of Jimbo’s photos from the show, click HERE; All that was needed after finishing work on the Friday evening was a dry and hold up free run up to the Peaktruck show held at the Uttoxeter racecourse
At a steady 50mph the 143 had no problems covering the distance in under 4 hrs
Even with the late arrival I was still able to get on to the site and park up for the evening, luckily the boys from McGawn Bros had kept me a space on the tarmac and with the bar still open a double result
A bright start to the Saturday did much to improve the hangover which I always seem to wake up with when I come here! Saturday morning was taken up with giving the old Scania a clean and polish, you think I would’ve learnt to bring something smaller than a 8×4
Still not quite as much work as the trucks entered into the combination class, credit must go these guys
One of the best was the V-reg FH Volvo of MJS from Stoke on Trent along with its powder tanker
The Peak shows are always very well supported by the local fleets from names such as Shirley’s, Mike Ponsonby and Stan Robinson
The Peak Truck Show was this year celebrating it’s 10th anniversary over the years shows have been held at a number of places, Belfast was a regular venue along with Carlisle and Penrith this helps to explain why Roy Gill and Sarah Mcgregor have always attracted many trucks from all over the country
Both Roy and Sarah used to run and show trucks one of the most well known was the Queen of Hearts (You must have a picture of this somewhere Ben can find mine think they are in the loft – I can’t find it!!) so with him being one of the judges you know you better have thing done right
You always are made to feel like old friends when you turn up no matter what time of day or night you finally manage to get there Sarah or Roy are always there to greet you this for me is what the truck shows are all about meeting friends new and old
The weather both days was lovely and sunny which makes a change as we normally have to take cover from the rain at least once during the weekend here, moving the show to later in the year definitely helped with this
The truck of the show went to the T-cab of Bartletts which as the pictures show was as clean out side as it was in with its fully upholstered cab along with painted dash
From fully custom work to the restored 141 with tandem axle trailer you decide what looks the best
One of the nicest trucks for me was the Scania 560 of Dutch owner driver Peter van der Eijk as with most European trucks typically understated but still had plenty of detail
The Saturday night is another sociable gathering with entertainment in the bar this year with a rock band in full swing
The CF DAF of Massey Feeds was looking spot on sitting next to the big cabbed Toplines and XF’s
There was a strong Scottish contingent with the R-cab from Laurelbank Nurseries, Gordon Steel and John Templeton’s Avatar
One of the furthest travelled must have been Brian McLennan of Peterhead with his brand new Scania. Judging takes place over both days, so there was plenty of cleaning still to be done with the results being given out on the Sunday afternoon
The Mc Gawn Bros did well this year by taking top spot in a Best Fleet and combination classes to name just a few
The 105 DAF from Smith of Bury did well in the traditional livery class who says red and green should never be seen! I even got a highly commended in the company owned class for the 143
A final thanks must go to Sarah and Roy for organising another top show hopefully there will be plenty over the next few years
IAA Commercial Vehicle Show 2012
Just over a week ago on a wet and windy evening I landed back at Stansted Airport, complete with 5 blisters and a Bratwurst in my pocket
Last Monday I spent the whole day at the IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover, well it should have been 9-5 but the German bus driver side swiped a car on the Autobahn on the way, so we were a whole 45 minutes later than planned! This therefore put me onto the Volvo stand 45 minutes after everyone else, so by the time I found it the Swedish stand was already heaving with people gathering to see the ugly but intriguing new Volvo FH
I for one sat and watched the launch of said new FH on the Internet the other week and have to say I was part of the large amount of you who think it is as ugly as the front end of a bus
But when the new Mercedes Actros arrived I was also very sceptical until I saw it in the flesh
Having sat up high overlooking the Volvo stand for quite a while I did come to the very simple conclusion that the reason it is “ugly” is only due to the grill, the actual shape is very tidy
We are so used to the badges of trucks being on the grill, is it just the case that it’s different, that is the cause of the visual unlikenment! I’m sure you have seen the photo shopped pictures of the new FH with the Volvo badge mounted on the grill and I think it looks so much better
I think there will soon be an after market pack to change the front of your new Volvo if you so wish
Other than the grill issue, the shape of the new Volvo on the outside is rather nice and it seems different
Amazing how designers can make a shed on wheels constantly seem so different from manufacturer to manufacturer! As for the interior, well it is rather comfy
Gone is that old FH feeling of the front of the truck closing in on you
It feels huge inside (a whole extra cubic metre of space), with big lockers above the windscreen along with a rather nice sunroof panel (actually a real escape hatch!), a swivel passenger seat, a table, the list goes on and what ever I write on here won’t really do it justice
It is a Volvo and the quality is Volvo
Designed with you in mind, its super practical but also can be super comfortable if required
My overall opinion of the New FH has been changed
I like it….a lot
Ugly or not, it’s a Volvo, it’s practical, it will earn you money and keep your drivers happy
On with the show… The Iveco stand with it’s new crown of Truck of The Year, was amazing orange
The crazy Italians have gone a little colour crazy, but I will say zis once, the Iveco stable gets more appealing!! There you go SW I really did say it, the new Hi-Way Stralis is ok
DAF also went with orange, but it kind of suits the new childlike, cartoon front end of the XF, only problem being is that it’s not a kids toy
The DAF XF is one of the most popular trucks in Europe but i’m afraid DAF haven’t impressed many people with the new look, I for one am not keen
Are they old Mercedes Actros headlights?! Perhaps some slightly older adolescence should be offered the sweet bag when the next update is due
The Renault stand gave me the feeling that they were trying to divert your attention away from the fact their centre piece was a 22 year old French piece of art
Although the Magnum is still different to the rest, the fact that Renault had the most beautiful girls to attract you in, the trucks were the same as when I went to Hanover in 2010
I’m not sure how they can or will replace the Magnum, but I think a breath of fresh air is required in Renault land
Hide it, talk it down, do what you like, what ever you do the R730 Scania is still a beautiful thing in my eyes
On show in a nearly white, silver it is still an awesome piece of kit
If you have not driven the current generation of Scania trucks, then before you slate them, take one for a drive
I still feel there is no truck with a better, more confident ride, backed up with the legendary V8, all its needs is a little something on the inside, but i’m not sure what
The Daimler hall was so impressive it was untrue
The size of a couple of football pitches
From the small vans right up to the new Actros, buses and Unimogs, all models were available for you to get your sticky paws on
The new Actros in all it’s guises is highly impressive and I have to say that it is still in my top 3
Lovely looking truck
They had a nice little Atego on the stand, but it has to be said that it does need it’s new cab, which will bring it in line with the new range and the new look
More to come on my thoughts of the Atego replacement
This just leaves the MAN hall
There was tons of other stuff to tell you about at the show and I will get round to it, but I thought you’d be happy with a general sum up of all the major players
MAN, like their German rivals had a large display, with loads of trucks and lots of buses, as well as the South American Volkswagen trucks
The normal trucks on the stand were popular and each truck has a couple of MAN employees to help guide you round each truck and answer your questions
There was a big special TGS 40.540 tractor unit designed for off road heavy haul use, and I wish i’d taken a few more snaps of the chassis and springs as it was a monster
Also, much to my delight and also my annoyance, the gorgeous little TGL 12.250 was one of the most popular trucks on the stand
For my older readers you know I love a TGL and in Germany they are super popular
This particular one is the new Euro 6 model that will be available from January 2013
A new interior along with the new look grill and bumper, will surely mean that this little Tonka continues to be a huge hit
I just wish I could buy one to join the club! …….Dear Father Christmas……… The whole show was knackering
There is so much to see, but despite the bus drivers best efforts I just about had enough time to see it all and go back and see my favourite bits a second time
Probably a good year to go too, what with the new Merc’s, the new Iveco, new look DAF and of course the completely new Volvo, it was a good day out despite the blisters
I have loads more pics, yes I do, click HERE to see them
Also I will put more stuff I saw at the show on the blog over the next few months
As well as the normal trucks, there are stands of trailers, vans, parts, etc etc etc
In 2014, treat yourself and go
You might even see a full size Lego truck!
5 Best Apps For Drivers
There are apps for everything these days, and there is no shortage of car and driving-related apps
Whether it’s a useful and practical app or one that’s for pure driving enjoyment, here are five must-have apps for any car lover: Parking Aid If you’ve ever parked up quickly in unfamiliar territory and had to rush off, you will know how difficult it can be to locate your car when the time comes to go home
If this happens to you with any frequency, it’s worth investing 69p in this nifty app that uses your phone’s GPS to log the position of your parking space
Motorway Walks and Breaks A charming idea that encourages people to take a break from the motorway and explore the countryside
Great for leisurely Sundays and family holidays, this app gives information on walks, sightseeing points and food outlets within 5 miles of motorway exits
Bouncy castles, nature trails, cafes and pubs are all noted in the app
Live Traffic Info Ideal for anyone who is on the road a lot, this app checks your journey against current disruptions on the motorways and major A roads in England
With information coming direct from the Highways Agency National Traffic Control Centre, it’s a useful tool, and best of all, it’s free
My Door Opener We’ve all experienced that moment of panic
You’re somewhere on the other side of town when the question hits you: did I close the garage door? Luckily, if you are the owner of both a remote controlled garage door and an iPhone, this never needs to be a cause for concern again
This clever app requires a small amount of programming to get it communicating with your garage door, but after that, you will be able to control the door from wherever you are
iWrecked It’s not a scenario anyone wants to think about, but when you’re on the road of course there’s a chance that you may be involved in an accident
This thoughtfully-designed app is there to help you out in the crucial minutes after an accident – all your details such as emergency contacts and insurance are stored in the app, and it reminds you to take pictures, details and log all the particulars
It’s a useful aid for a moment where common sense might escape you
Of course, you should never operate an app while driving a car – always pull over, or ask a passenger
Do you have any great car-related apps? Vivienne Egan writes for insurance provider GEM Motoring Assist, which offers a free iPhone and Android app for its members
Jaguar All Wheel Drive
The country is in, or almost in, recession
Money is tight and people are not just pulling the purse strings in, they are knotting them and sealing them with wax as well
This makes the success of Jaguar / Land Rover’s sales of new cars even more impressive
Their products go on getting better and more diverse
It’s a heartening story in an economic downturn
Their latest wheeze is to offer four wheel drive on the XF and XJ saloons from next year (2013)
It is assumed that this feature will principally be offered where it is needed most
That is to say, where AWD would be a worthwhile option, which must include most of Europe and Russia and – because they wouldn’t want to be left out – North America
You can certainly see the sense of four driven wheels on Rodeo Drive! Seriously, this addition to the cars’ armoury will increase its already impressive capability and versatility in places where grip is compromised by climatic conditions
These AWD models will be driven by Jaguar’s new supercharged 340ps engine – a three litre V6
The company believe that, by offering choices such as these, they will increase their business globally by targeting specific regional requirements
Sensible thinking
Needless to say, the USA will absorb three quarters of AWD saloon production built at the Castle Bromwich factory, such is the demand for four-drivers in the States
The addition of this technology will enable Jaguar to compete with eighty percent of the luxury car market making the company a true global player
Sadly, our nation need not hold its collective breath because, with sales of 4WD accounting for only 5% of luxury new cars sold in the UK, we won’t be getting it
At least not in 2013
Jaguar / Land Rover aren’t resting on their laurels
In addition to the above mentioned the company will be releasing its brand new Range Rover next year as well
This completely new car will replace the current venerable model and, as it is constructed from aluminium, will be considerably lighter and therefore more efficient than the outgoing model
Following on from the hugely successful Evoque and the funky soon to be released new Defender there seems to be no stopping JLR on its quest for automotive domination of the luxury car market! Something for everyone, as they say
In our dire economic circumstances it’s a good time to release good news
ACH – Photo Update
For those who aren’t aware I have a big affection for old Buckinghamshire family firm Aston Clinton Haulage
Why? My dad worked there back in the early 1970′s before I was born and so far I have only found 13 photos of his in my 33 years on the planet, so with the age on the tinternet I am now cashing in and have even set up an ACH Facebook Page for like minded fans
I think because I have so little of ACH from my old man that I want more and more
It turns out there are a few ex drivers following the FB Page and one man in particular, Dave Mortimer has kindly sent me 80 odd photos from his 30 year driving career with the Beige and Black from Aylesbury
I have to say some of Dave’s photos are just brilliant
Now I think I love ACH that little bit more! I have scanned all the photos and put them on the flickr page, so click HERE to see the set
Along with the photos Mr Mortimer enlightened me with the following information; “ACH was started in the 1960′s by Mr Les Fowler
The name came from an old Coal delivery company
It was bought for the A and B licenses
They never actually had a yard in Aston Clinton, the first yard was at Winslow, Buckinghamshire then they moved to a yard in Stone near Aylesbury about 1970
ACH ran a fleet of about 20 trucks
The fleet was increased when they bought out Howe European from Enfield
This was to gain extra European permits to do extra European work
Some of Howe’s trucks came with drivers such as Johnny Whitbread and Dave Coope
But most left again when Des Lacey (ex Howe European) started up Hercock London.” “ACH started doing European in 1973 and I (Dave Mortimer) started with ACH in January 1974
My first year was UK work, then my first trip abroad was to Fiat in Torino, July 1975
Reloaded washing machines back to High Wycombe
I didn’t start doing regular European trips until about 1977 and then the rest is history! Back then it was all the old roads as the motorways weren’t built
Such good routiers we used to eat at; Footballers, Bakehouse, Monkey House – I could go on for ever about the old times! I think the only firm still doing European from the old days is EM Rogers
All the rest have gone; ACH, Leggetts, Ferry Freighting, Roba, Dow European, Murfitts…the list just goes on.” What an insight into one man’s career
I just love em! If you know any thing, any one, have any photos of ACH then please get in touch
You can email me at ben@truckblog.co.uk and I will look forward to hearing from you
Just think if ACH had kept going and my parents had stayed in my home town of Aylesbury, ACH would have been my closest haulage firm
Thanks to Dave Mortimer for the photos, he has said there could be more to come, we’ll see…
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