DAINTED WAGONS roll along the SUMIDCT -L roads of Britain.
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The fun of the fair is on the move. Loaded convoys are bringing blaring life to surprised meadows. For a day, two days, merry-go-rounds and dodgem cars whizz among the daisies. Then, quickly as they came, stalls and shies, caravans, dogs and people vanish. And are off on the road again.
The small world of Smiths Among those who travel the fairgrounds of the West Midlands are the Smiths. In the small world of this big family are Sam Smith, his wife and 14-year-old son.
On the fairground Sam runs 6 swingboats and 8 slot machines. On the road he drives a lorry with a 4 ton caravan in tow, his family, fair gear and a small generator on board. His lorry is no ordinary vehicle, as Sam will proudly tell you. "It's the best motor was ever made. It'll go forever and a day." The motor is a /949 Austin 2 tonner.
Sam's remarkable veteran Before Sam Smith bought it, his Austin worked hard for the General Electric Co. Ltd., Birmingham. "I've had it 4 years now and I haven't spent a bean on it. She stands out all winter too and when it's time to go I push the button and we're off. Never have to use the handle."
Hills? "Never bother me, hills don't," says Sam. "The lorry just keeps pulling all the way. I wouldn't swop it for anything." He should know — he's been driving for 25 years now. What about petrol consumption ? "25 m.p.g. empty, 15 m.p.g. loaded. I ain't kidding. It's definitely been a good lorry. It's done its job and done it well." What Sam Smith makes on the swings, he doesn't lose on the roundabout with Austin!
The veterans of the future will be found in the present Austin range—widest commercial range in Britain. f to 2 ton vans, a to 7 ton trucks — tippers, prime movers, chassis units. All with 12 months' warranty and backed by B.M.C. Service.