UK V8 trucks a history

Here’s a comprehensive rundown of everything that was fitted with a V8 and sold in the UK. Some… were more successful than others!

- Peter Davies

Mention “V8” and most people’s thoughts turn to Scania. Of all the manufacturers to have produced V8 configured diesels, Scania stands out as the leading exponent – and 2019 marked 50 years since the first LB140 entered the UK. But, while the Swedish manufacturer leads the way, there have been many other V8 diesels – some good, some not so good. Here we take a look at what’s come and gone over the past half century.

AEC

AEC’s V8, or 800 series diesel, introduced in 1968, turned out to be something of a failure. What began as a promising venture aimed at securing AEC’s future had the opposite effect. Its many shortcomings were blamed on inadequate development combined with parent company Leyland’s pressure to start production before a full test programme could be completed.

The V8 engine’s first problem was overheating. The relatively small radiator area, combined with lack of airflow around the engine, resulted in cooling problems, while heat dissipation was further hampered by the fact it was a dry-linered engine with relatively thick liners to allow for bigger bore versions.

In some extreme cases the V8 was said to temporarily seize if the truck was stopped when hot – the effect of an increase in temperature as the fan speed reduced to tick-over.