Vintage Alan Firmin

Whilst most of our fleet is state of the art, the pride of the pack is a 1961 Mammoth 8-wheeler – licence plate AF105. Registered to us from new, she served on our general haulage fleet of the time.

During the early 1970’s, the vehicle was specified for recovery work [photo], requiring the removal of the second steer and the shortening of the chassis. This ‘surgery’ was later reversed and she was lovingly restored to her former glory, along with a false load, by then workshop manager, Dave Hayward.

Circa 1988, the Company purchased an original Dyson trailer (dangler) and re-furbished it to run with AF105. This was also fitted with a ‘false load’ in original ‘rope and sheet’ style.

These days, AF105 is only called into service for local commercial vehicle shows and the Historic Commercial Vehicle Society London to Brighton run every May. In 2007, she underwent a bodywork make-over including replicating the original hand painted sign-writing, to further enhance the vehicles vintage appeal, scooping “Best in Class” in Brighton this year!

Die-cast model can be obtained from Hattons, link attached www.ehattons.com

2008 Appearances:

4th May  HCVS London to Brighton – Winner "Best in Class"

31st May – 1st June   TruckFest. Maidstone

7th June – 8th June   Medway Festival of Steam, Chatham

11th July -13th July   The Kent County Show

11th – 12th October   Scammel South of England Run & Rally, Chatham

2009 Appearances:

12th - 13th April   Medway Festival of Steam, Chatham

3rd May  HVCS London to Brighton run