Thought it was about time we saw the mighty V8 Mandator 'high-roof' artic on Biglorryblog again....one of two V8s operated in 1969/70. They were bought new from Sparshatts in Ashford, Kent and the high roof and extended cabs were made by a bodybuilder in Southampton (with AEC approval as a prototype was shown at the 1968 Motor Show at Earls Court).' And here's a shot of the interior of one of the high-roof AECs although this is not a V8, as I have been reliably informed that the V8s had a flat floor.
Meanwhile, click through here for news of the official AEC anniversary bash!
Robrt continues: "Although this is to be an informal gathering, we do have the AEC Society (http://middx.net/aec/page1.htm) and we are gearing up for the centenary of the founding of the Associated Equipment Company Ltd in 1912 (I'd have liked to have met the chap who thought of that snappy and informative trading name!) With best wishes, Robert. And you can reach him on 01494 565350."
And Biglorryblog says check out the AEC website as it has some great shots on it!
Don't forget that the AEC Society is organiser of the Great North Road Rally to be held at the Newark Showground on Bank Holiday Sunday, with the "Bomber County" Roadrun on the Saturday. Expect lots of AECs, as well as many other types.
Atkipete will be excited,that parcel shelf looks like the ACCO ones with less head room.
Look at the curtains - you dont get patterns like that on these new fangled sleeper cabs. How long do we think it took AEC Engineering, Purchase & Marketing to arrive at the decision to buy those?
It even looks wider than the ACCO one, not a good place to camp out.
Hi guys...I drove for Brady and Son out of Felixstowe in the late '60's and early '70's.
One of the fleet was a Leyland Ergomatic with a double bunk extended cab with a 680 engine.
It was known in Bradys as the 'Ice Cream' truck.
It was equipped with a pre-select semi automatic transmission. Running bobtail nothing could keep up with it's acceleration back then..
On the M6 it would run about 105 mph flat out.
It had a Leyland coach rear axle. Passed a few Midland Red coaches on more than one occasion down the M1 while running light.
The only down side was you needed 4 people to lift the cab for servicing. No hydraulic ram assistance.
I'm in the USA now...how do you all cope with those 60 mph speed governors ?