It’s the late 1980s and Paul gets a plum job driving a Toleman transporter carrying extremely expensive classic cars to a posh, pre-Grand Prix auction in Monaco.
“Paul,” comes a shout from across the yard, as I’m strapping down my load of Volvo cars, ready for tomorrow’s delivery.
I turn to see our shop steward, Robbie Blackwell, striding across the loading pad.
“Hello Rob,” I say, stepping off the bottom deck and shedding my gloves. “What’s up, mate?”
“Got a nice little job for you – if you fancy it?” Rob says. “Oh, aye, what’s that then,” I reply, intrigued.
“How’d you fancy a trip to Monte Carlo?” “You what, Rob?” I respond, mildly shocked. “Monte Carlo?” “Yep, I’ve put your name forward.
That’s if you’re interested, of course. It should have been Les Taylor, but he’ll be away on holiday.”
“Bloody right I’m interested,” I reply, gathering my thoughts.
“Cheers Rob, but why me? There are 600 drivers working for Toleman, must be plenty of blokes would love this number.”
“I know,” he replies, “but as you’ve done loads of Continental in a past life and have a smattering of French, I suggested you.”
“I don’t know what to say mate, thanks a bunch.”
As our shop steward, Robbie could have nominated anyone, so I am really grateful for his support.
“All I can tell you is that there are four of you double-manning two car transporters – Phil Parsons from the Harwich depot, Del Thompson from Dagenham, Hughie High from Milton and you.” Blimey, these are big fish in the Toleman pond!
Denne historien er fra September 2018-utgaven av Truck & Driver.
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Denne historien er fra September 2018-utgaven av Truck & Driver.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Well forked Daf
Remember, we like to cover all sorts of different trucks here at T&D – like this impressive new CF rigid complete with Moffett Mounty forklift
King of the hill
Moving heavy equipment off road calls for a truck with plenty of power and traction, which is why M&J Plant chose a mighty 6x4 FH16 750
Time Machine 2015-2019
It’s the final part of our series on the history of UK haulage. Let’s look back at those innocent times before that pesky virus turned up
Original and best
There are few trucks which have been customised to the level of the Scania 143, but let’s not forget that the standard product was pretty awesome just as it left the factory, like this rare 420
GOING ALL THE WAY
Simon Rogers got behind the wheel as soon as he was able to, and nearly 30 years later, his company is going from strength to strength, with a striking all-black, top-spec Iveco S-Way 570 the latest addition to the fleet
Abnormal loads
In the distant past, when dinosaurs roamed the planet, truck drivers were a very different breed, made from sterner stuff than us mere mortals
Range change
After a gap of 13 years, Renault trucks have reappeared in the unique colours of MacRitchie Highland Distribution. T&D takes the high road to Inverness to meet owners, Donald and Catriona MacRitchie
Cutting a dash
Freshly showered and munching a healthy egg and cress sarnie in Gloucester North services, Chris has a Foden update
Air we go!
On Saturday 29 May at 6pm, 240 drivers gathered with their trucks at South Mimms Services for a parade to raise vital money for Essex & Hertfordshire Air Ambulance
A Cutt Above
From coal to turf to fencing and loads more, there’s not much the Calcutt fleet hasn’t transported over the years