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You can't beat a Pete
Page 68
Page 69
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This being Christmas (well, nearly) and our final issue of 2003, we decided to look for something different in the way of a dealer drop-in
— we found Les Botham, who imports Peterbilts direct from the US. Unless it's pre-1982 you won't be able to plate an American-built tractor to work on British roads, but there's nothing to stop you buying one to run around at the weekends.
Les Botham and his wife Jayne run Skye Motors from their home in Dronfield, near Chesterfield.The firm imports used Peterbilt tractors and 4x4 pickups. however Botham is quick to point out that he can import any American vehicle if required: he concentrates on Peterbilts because they are the best".
To vouch for this we met up with a satisfied customer, Paul Hives, who bought a silver Peterbilt lx4 from Skye Motors last July. It has a 500hp Detroit Diesel engine and Eaton 15-speed box. "Driving it takes a bit of getting used to," he says, hut he relishes his weekends behind the wheel of his bonneted rig.
For 15 years Botham ran his own haulage company, Botham Commercials, running out of Chesterfield and Sheffield on contract to confectionery manufacturer Barratts. After selling up he started to import Peterbilts two years ago. So far he's brought 15 of them into the UK "blind" — without buyers— but they're generally snapped up quickly. Dealing in Peterbilts entails trips to the States for three weeks at a time sourcing the trucks. setting up paperwork and driving his acquisitions to the docks at Savannah in South Carolina for shipment to Southampton.
"I normally buy and ship three at a time,Botham reports. "This one is the last of the current batch. I'll go back to America in January to look for some more."
He buys on condition rather than age. Mileage is not really an issue but if a Pete has been knocked about a bit he won't buy it, even though it's unlikely to work hard again.
Not that the big Fetes don't have a use in this country.They may not be legal to haul goods over here but they're in demand as wedding transport and for kid's parties. Next year he plans to attendTruckfest and CV motor shows across Europe.
Current stock This bonneted Peterbilt 6x4 tractor is kitted out with the top-spec American Class interior. including a wooden dash, leather seat covers and a neat air-operated passenger window.
Under the extended bonnet is a 550hp Cat engine with an Eaton 15-speed crash box (five over five with a range-change and splitter). Power's transmitted via a spring-operated clutch, a 3.70:1 final drive and Rockwell ninetonne rear axle. It's done 626,000 miles from new (in 1998) with one owner, hauling reefer from Sou Carolina to California. occasiot ally via Florida. Botham has priced it at £30,000 (ex-VAT). Contact Les Botham on 07855 809886. •