Malvern Show Report 2017
Checking the Three Counties Showground website’s 2017 events calendar, revealed that the “Lorry Show” (as they described it), previously scheduled for 4th March, was listed as cancelled. It may be that Kelsey Publishing Ltd. had decided to incorporate provision for classic commercial vehicles into another show.
Their website described this show as – “Spring Tractor World Show Plus Sunday Classic Commercial Show.”
Well, it was certainly a very well-attended tractor show, with considerably more exhibits and stalls than
we’ve seen at previous Malvern shows. The organisers’ website suggested that the Sunday (26th)
would be the commercial vehicle day. There were a few commercial vehicles lined up, but at some
distance away from the main show area. It felt as though this part of the show was – a mere
afterthought. However, here are the vehicles I saw. Some details are very limited, because owners couldn’t be located, to confirm any dates and details.
FG 420 1973
This 1973 FG420 started life as a van, having been supplied new to Ever-Ready Batteries. It is powered
by a 4-litre petrol engine (probably the same power unit as used in the larger Austin limos), and was converted to the existing recovery configuration in 1982, by Len Hunt
Motors of Monmouth. The vehicle has been owned by TD & IR Harrison since 1994.
Freight Rover 1983
On the right is a 1983 Freight Rover 255, with petrol engine. Originally, it was a BT box van, and was converted to its present pick-up form in 1992, by S A Hiles. Present owner is J C Hiles, who reports that even
after 120000 miles, it has never broken down!
1985 Leyland Daf Roadrunner
After checking with a more knowledgeable Club member, I discovered that this vehicle is a Leyland Daf Road Runner (1985), with T45 cab. It was shown here in recovery truck form, no other details known.
Here’s another FG, 1979 vintage, judging by its registration number. I couldn’t find the owner to check details, and none were displayed. This truck had clearly had much use, and only cursory care. Definitely a working classic!!
Pictures below show an LDV Convoy, powered by a 2.5 litre diesel. The registration suggests it was a 1998 model, although it may have been re-registered, with that N.I. number. This was a stall-holder’s vehicle, but unfortunately, he also proved elusive.
1998 LDV Convoy
1948 Morris Z
Shown on the left, is a well-restored 1948 Morris Z GPO van. The internal fittings appeared to have been very accurately restored, or re-created.
1991 Leyland DAF 45
Below is a 1991 Leyland Daf 45 – 130 with a standard-looking truck body. Not sure if was on show, or merely parked!
And here is the “Tail-Piece”!!
This 1969/70 Morris Minor 1000 pick-up looked generally standard – from the front. But the rear view, however, was definitely non-standard! Clearly modified, the work appeared to have been to a pretty good standard.
