According to Birds Groupage driver Mick Barnsley, the Scania-Vabis LB range from the late 1960s played a key role in killing the British truck industry. 
"People reckon the Volvo F86 and F88 changed things," he said, "but in my opinion this is the one that started the rot."
Mick, who showed this wonderful 1968 example at the truck show accompanying the British Truck Racing Championship at Donington in July, was keen to point out the creature comforts that gave the truck such huge appeal with 1960s drivers. "Look, it has power steering, a suspension seat and even a radio. Four years after this truck was built I got a brand new AEC Mandator, which was so basic in comparison. It didn't have a radio, and the seat was fixed to the floor," he said.
This example, which started out in life carrying pig-iron for Stokes & Downings of Blackheath, is totally original. According to Mick it has required little more than brakes and tyres over the past 40 years. "This is why there are no more British trucks," he said.
Comments (1)
i agree with mick barnsley,s final point about why there are no more british trucks.however i would say that both scania vabis and volvo combined opened operators/drivers eyes to what could be acheived with manufacturers that concentrated on comfort,safety and equally important back up.i once owned/restored a cummins powered 1974 erf a series,which i sold to restore a 1974 f88, you would never believe that both trucks were the same age.that old erf was like something from the dark ages compared to my f88.
Posted by andrew cooper | July 29, 2008 8:35 PM
Posted on July 29, 2008 20:35