* When I bought the truck two-and-a-half years ago, it
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was in a bit of a mess. The previous owner had been storing it in a barn: it had been imported originally from Kileene in Texas in 1990.
The truck is a 1978 Peterbilt 359 Conventional, which I've plated in this country to 38 tonnes and spent at least £10,000 in doing it up and making it comply to EC regulations—the brake system and lighting positions were just two things I had to change.
It's powered by a 400hp Cummins engine and the walk-in sleeper is fitted with a full-width bed covered in black satin sheets, a wardrobe, reading lights, air conditioning and a wash basin. It is trimmed in brown quilted leather with a beige shag pile carpet. It also has a fridge, TV, video player and stereo. I sell truck parts For a living and thought it would be useful to pass my LGV Class 1 driving test. I didn't want to drive trucks for a living, but thought I would enjoy running a vintage truck at weekends. That year, however, we went to the States and I fell in love with Peterbilts and I just had to have one— nine months later I did.
I use the truck for shows, advertising and weddings and anything else that helps pay its keep. But now I would love to use the Peterbilt to set-up as an owner-driver. I'd imagine my truck would be best suited to low-loader heavy haulage work, but I'd consider anything, including Continental trips. I have worked as an LGV agency driver, so I know what I would be getting into.