![TRUE BLUE](https://magarticles.magzter.com/articles/2198/593740/600eb27a75438/TRUE-BLUE.jpg)
At a glance
Make & Model: Daf XF 530
Superspace FTP
Engine: Paccar MX13 13-litre six-cylinder Euro 6D
Power: 530hp @ 1675rpm
Torque: 2600Nm @ 1000-1460rpm
Gearbox: TraXon 12-speed automated manual
Operator: Daniel C Lote Transport
For any truck enthusiast, getting to watch a truck being built in a factory is a rare treat. But to watch the actual truck you are going to be driving being put together on the factory floor is on another level entirely. But owner-driver and dyed-in-the wool truck fan Dan Lote got to do just that at Daf’s Leyland assembly plant back in 2019. With the old maxim “if you don’t ask, you don’t get” ringing true, he got the opportunity by asking the Greenhous Daf salesman, Liam Smith, when he was discussing the specification for his new truck.
“When we were going round the factory, we first saw it as a rolling chassis, then later we saw them lift the cab on, and by the time we had come to the end of the day, they had finished the truck so I got to sit in it and have some photos taken before we returned home,” says Dan. “At Leyland, they have the truck on a big conveyor and once they have started it doesn’t stop moving, it goes along at walking pace and everyone has their own jobs as they assemble it. Everything is spaced out on the production line, so they have enough time to do what they need to before it reaches the next person – it’s very clever.”
Denne historien er fra February 2021-utgaven av Truck & Driver.
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Denne historien er fra February 2021-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.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
![Well forked Daf](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2198/700051/6103a97302167/crp_Well-forked-Daf.jpg)
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](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2198/700051/61039fa180720/crp_King-of.jpg)
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](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2198/700051/6103b0b4ce423/crp_Time-Machine-2015-2019.jpg)
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](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2198/700051/6103ae77299d6/crp_Original-and-best.jpg)
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](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2198/700051/6103a6fad96be/crp_GOING-ALL-THE-WAY.jpg)
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](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2198/700051/6103b26ead172/crp_Abnormal-loads.jpg)
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](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2198/700051/6103a4bdea9fb/crp_Range-change.jpg)
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](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2198/700051/6103b1bcb96a2/crp_Cutting-a-dash.jpg)
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!](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2198/700051/6103b344ab30f/crp_Air-we-go.jpg)
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](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2198/700051/6103ab8277cf1/crp_A-Cutt-Above.jpg)
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