The complete story of the famous 'Black Cat' Fodens on Biglorryblog thanks to John O!

John goes on to say: "Whilst waiting, it was referred to as 'the black Demo', and was our first with the Caterpillar 3406B-400 engine - and it was my Salesman (Mike Jakeways) who one day impatiently said 'When's that black Cat coming then?' That's when I decided to name it, although I don't think Mike realised what he'd said at the time! The three shades of grey stripes colour scheme was done by our local signwriter from the KW brochure, but modified to suit a cabover, & with the new name incorporated. It had a 4-page (& cover) feature in the Drivers Eye series in Truck & Driver under the heading Black Cat on the Prowl."

"It certainly caught the imagination at the time and did us a lot of good. I sold it to an owner-operator from Bushey in October who 'reserved' it on first sight at TruckFest in April '85, & whose name escapes me for the moment! Registration number C550 BFB."

And now, says John we come to the beauty above: "Black Cat ll (chassis 214897) was the replacement in 1986, because the original had gone down so well, & I couldn't think of a better name! We were asked to enter the Invitation-only International Custom Truck Class at TruckFest that year, due to the interest generated by our first Black Cat, and were placed 2nd. First was a Swedish Volvo, and third was a Dutch (I think) Scania - see the photo below..."

"Sadly, Black Cat ll was stolen from our locked compound in Avonmoth a few months later, and was broken up by some thieves who ran a truck spares business in Southampton. The good news is they were caught and jailed - largely due to the engine turning up in Australia having been sold to a reputable Kenworth operator who asked Caterpillar for a service history & quoted the engine number! Ah, happy days! If I find better photos soon, I'll send them on! Best wishes, John O."

To which BLB replies: SUPERB stuff John, I well remember Black Cat II being stolen as I'm pretty sure we did a news story on it in CM asking readers to keep their eyes out for it - and then covering the fact the engine had turned up in Oz! It says something that a Foden 4000 could hold its own against two Swedes - albeit 12 years ago... Of course in 'BLB World' Foden still exists, the Falcon is available with a Cat C16 engine and Black Cat III is appearing at the 2010 Truckfest on the Foden stand complete with airbrushed murals of the night-raiding 'Black Cat' PBY flying boats of WWII! I'm going to have nap now..nurse!  My thanks to both John and Brian and before I forget here's one for Vic from Brian who says:

"Brian, especially for Vic. From 12-inch headlamps to 6-inch on this 4x4 Army Foden S85! Brian L."

John O has since sent me this update for which I'm most grateful. "PS: By the way, Brians, having just re-read the BLB article, you'll notice that both Black Cats were pre-4000 series. There was never a sign-written 4000 BC, although I did order a 4000 Demo 6x4 (chassis 400008), it was sold before being 'christened'! And here's the photo as evidence! Regards, John O."

To which BLB replies - Yes sorry for that guys, I'd forgotten that 4000 series was the term used with the new smoother curved-fronted models like the one John mentions above!