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Something old, something new

3rd May 1980, Page 36
3rd May 1980
Page 36
Page 36, 3rd May 1980 — Something old, something new
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Many entrants in -nis years Historic Commercial Vehicle Club London-Brighton Rally prove there's nothing new under the sun.

Brian Chalmers-Hunt details what spectators can look forward to

The oldest vehicle in Class D — for vans and lorries over three tons — will be the 1 91 7 Caledon Type E4Ohp petrol can carrier. Making its regular visit to Brighton, this example is possibly the last survivor of 600 Caledons made in Glasgow between 1915 and 1926.

The use of drawbar units is not new either. The 1933 Foden S4 dropside lorry entrant, complete with authentic drawbar trailer, was originally a brewery wagon but found buried in a scrapyard in 1970.

Classes E and F are for fire engines, and this year the number of entrants is even greater. It may still be hard to understand why grown men dressed in full fireman's uniform like to ride around on old fire engines, but most of these. vehicles are in superb condition and their owners clearly have great affection and respect for them: Classes G, H and J are for buses and coaches and enthusiasts can admire a selection of over 36 entrants. A regular visitor to Brighton is a 1904 Panhard at Levassor ten-seat Wagonette. Bodied by Coward of Maidenhead and claimed to be one of the earliest examples of a multi-purpose vehicle, this wagonette has a rear body which can be exchanged to suit the job in hand.

A 1951 Foden rear engine coach will have CM's passenger editor Noel Milher at the wheel. This used to be the Foden Motor Works Band bus and was in continuous use from 1 951 to 1979 covering over 500,000 miles.

Classes N and M are for steam wagons, tractors and locomotives and there are 15 entrants — the oldest will be a 1914 Sentinel dropside truck. This vehicle was found in a Fife quarry in 1962 — discovered behind some or, to be more precise, in various parts of the quarry. Nevertheless, someone was enthusiastic enough to rebuild it!


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