Egtituoitera aPPeat
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I should like to appeal through your letters page to haulage contractors everywhere to "do their bit" in rescuing haulage lorries from the 1945 to 1960 period. I am sure that there must be a large number of restorable maximum-capacity vehicles lying derelict Had I more funds I would do more as an individual to ensure that such machines as Albion CX7s, ERF 6.8s and Foden 6.15s from the late Forties were represented in the ranks of preserved commercials. As it is, I have restored a Maudslay Meritor and am now working on a Sentinel DV 4.4.
Regrettably only a handful of enthusiasts have made any effort to preserve such vehicles as "pure" haulage lorries, ie flats, dropsides. tankers, tippers or box vans. I am convinced that, if we are to avoid losing certain significant types of vehicles altogether, the enthusiastic transport firms should allocate a little bit of money to restoring one or two oldies.
Several firms like Lloyds of Ludlow and Swains of Stretton have already done splendid work in this direction. Others are also making the effort. Some, regrettably, are devoting their attention to things like wreckers while the real stuff (eightleggers notably) rots away in a corner of the yard.
So, at the risk of outraging some people. I should like to ask the haulage men, large or small, to wheel out any eight-wheelers that are languishing away in the yard. I should like to hear from them so that a controlled programme of restoration could be set in motion. It doesn't cost much and a beautifully restored eight-legger in traditional-style livery can be a valuable advertisement.
I want to hear from any transport firm or individual who shares my enthusasim for lorries. Together perhaps we can get something done before all these wonderful machines from the Forties and Fifties are gone for good.
PETER J. DAVIES, 17 The Avenue, Flit wick, Beds.