Top price dream truck up for sale
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• What is claimed to be Britain's most expensive list price truck is up for sale, six months after its owner snapped it up in a charity auction for £100,000.
The Master Centurion, a oneoff Scania R143-500 Streamliner, was built to commemorate the manufacturer's centenary last year. It has been described as an "owner-driver's dream": the asking price is £78,000.
Haulier Derek Sumpter says he is selling the still-unregistered truck, which has a custom paint job, leather seats, a colour TV, fax, air conditioning and a chrome fifth wheel, because he cannot use it.
"I'm not into truck shows, to be honest," admits Rochester based Sumpter. "And the vehicle really needs to be cosseted by an owner-operator who would have it for the prestige. He would never want for work."
The 373kW (500hp) high-roof tractor has been running on trade plates and has never pulled a trailer in anger. "It's a lovely piece of machinery and it's a shame not to use it," adds Sumpter, whose firm, Shiplink Transport, runs 10 Scanias, mostly for newsprint supplier Holman.
The truck is being offered through Purfleet Scania dealer Scantruck, whose salesman Keith Hughes first suggested to Sumpter that he buy it.
El See next week's issue for a full R143-500 roadtest.