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The ugliest truck in the world? It's not the Dodge 500 or a Shelvoke & Drewery says Biglorryblog!

Dodge 500.jpg 
Richard 'The Brochure King' Stanier has sent me this selection and says: "I thought I would contribute a few bits and bobs regarding recent bloggings.....Dodge 500 - I was surprised you think the old Dodge cab was ugly, I always quite liked it myself, but I understand it was never a driver's favourite. I have attached a particularly good example which I hope might hit the spot. I have also attached an unusual use of the cab - On a low height chassis badged as Commer and designated the LA6.
 
Commer LA6.jpg 
I was intrigued by John's fascination with Shelvoke and Drewrys. We don't often see them on the blog, so let's put that right! The TZ Series chassis was their top-of-the-range dustcart from the early 70's. It featured a four door cab to accommodate four loaders and an impressive big basket on the roof.
SD Revopak.jpg 
However, in the mid 70's SD adopted the Motor Panels cab as seen in the scan of the Revopak awaiting export, and in the late 70's they produced the very imaginative range of "go anywhere, do anything" trucks in the SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle) Range. Some of these had the later Motor Panels cab (as below), as used on contemporary Fodens and FTFs, but unfortunately these didn't seem to have had the success they warranted and the firm had dwindled away within 10 years.
Shelvoke SPV.jpg 
Now click through here for a whiff of steam!
 
Atki Steamer.jpg 
Finally Rich says: "Atki Pete pointed out an obvious omission from the steamer blog - So, just for him I have attached Michael List Brain's Atkinson 6 Ton Steam Waggon finished appropriately enough in Australian livery!" I'm sure I've seen this before....in fact I'm sure Commercial Motor or Truck & Driver featured this some time ago...?

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Comments (5)

Richard Stanier:

Yes the scan is from a CM special on Seddon Atkinson from about 1989 - Well remembered!!

D Powell:

I remember reading something about Motor Panels involvement in the Dodge 500 cab but I do not remember if it was design, production or both.

Peter Lynch:

A fine looking steamer, but I think only one made it out here. Cheers Pete

Richard Stanier:

Yes my understanding is that Motor Panels built the Dodge cab.

russ hurley:

I always liked the dodge k range. There is a ladybird book circa 1970 on transport and the 'future' clearly shows a load of k-range dodges!

There is a one not to far from where i live - will try to get some photos and maybe a vid - if its working!

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