How's this for a bit of advertising chutzpah? Back in may 1966 the then 'motiring correspondent of the Daily Express, Basil Cardew declared: "The Scammell Contractor is a goods express which brings a new era to commercial motoring; yet it's as easy to handle as a oprivate car." To which all Biglorryblog can say is he must have spent many years driving some pretty rough old cars!
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This page contains a single entry by BigLorryBlog published on October 9, 2009 8:02 AM.
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I think the advertising BS is in the first part, calling it a Goods Express; I doubt if even Scammell enthusiasts would call the Contractor an express.
However, "as easy to handle as a private car"? Maybe, they commonly had a semi-automatic gearbox, power steering and full air brakes, so maybe as easy as some cars of the day, or even some present day cars. A Fiat Multipla comes to mind............
The Scammell was certainly better looking!
Brian and Vic - I must take you to task and ask how many times have you driven a Scammell Contractor? They are easier to handle than a private car. You would expect a dedicated Scammell nut to offer such an opinion but ask Graham Booth (who has restored more Scammell Contractors than many folk have had hot dinners) and he'll say his teenage daughter can drive forwards & backwards with one of these superb pussy cats. And I have witnessed how she makes it easier than a car. Two pedals and a superb driving position. There's even room for a party in a crew cab version of the big Scammell so what more could you ask for. And don't say comfort.
Bob, I was actually agreeing with the statement, not disagreeing, although maybe it didn't come out like that. I have driven a Contractor (Dales Freightways heavy haulage one) and agree, they are very easy to drive indeed.