Bob 'Mr Classic' Tuck writes to Biglorryblog with photos of this Foden XL - and opens up a real can of worms along the way too. But I'll get to that in my own good time - nobody rush me OK? Anyroadup Bob says:"Brian, it was great to see the recent posting on Terry Seaman and the news that he bought an Foden S21 with the intention of a doing a full restoration. You may recall me doing a feature on the Foden you featured in that blog [i.e. the one you see above] as it is rather special."
"I spent the day with its driver Crusty (laughing with his mates) and that Foden because it was the last truck ever to be built at Sandbach. This made it the last Foden 4000 of course because they transferred production of the Alphas to Leyland - until they of course ended Foden production totally."
And here's the plaque on the side to prove it. Meanwhile Bob adds: "Terry is a Foden nut and runs nothing else. A few snaps attached of some of his other units. Great story and a great guy. Bob" And here are some more shots from BT of the last Foden 4000 Series and a an Alpha too.
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And here's the 4000 Series XXL in Terry Seaman's smart trademark livery looking immaculate...
And here's one of his Alphas looking equally handsome...
And what looks like an earlier P-reg 4000 Series with the normal roof...
And here's a shot of 'Crusty' at the wheel of the last of the few... Now what was all that about a cab of worms eh? Well click through here to find out and a news of 'challenger'...!
Well in 2007 BLB was at the Gaydon Classic Commercial Vehicle Show when I saw this Foden 6x2 XXL and I was told that THIS was the last Foden 4000 XL ever built? Confused? I certainly was...! It's run by DB Trucking in Carlisle and funnily enough I spoke to the wife of the owner only a month or so back about blindspot mirrors - and a very nice lady she is too.
However, without wishing to stand on the sidelines shouting 'Fight! Fight!' and respecting the good wishes of both operators - who are obviously big Kite Marque fans... As indeed BLB is... Can anyone shed some light on this thorny subject? And to Terry and Crusty - just put it down to an old journalist's curiosity - and nothing more guys!
Meanwhile, Phil Moon product marketing manager at Daf and ex-Foden man (quite sensibly) refuses to be drawn into the debate when I talk to him - maybe Brian Lomas has the definitive answer?
i am trying to find a foden 4000 to buy to start my own haulage company but finding one is like trying to find hens teeth. i would appreicate any help from any one who can help me find a foden 4000 6x2 tractor unit and set my dream in motion thank-you now for any help that i may receive in the future.
watty(mittypower)nicoll