bretts transport classic 1970 truck restored to former glory

A classic truck purchased by Guyhirn-based Bretts Transport at the time current Managing Director Simon Brett was born has been restored to its former glory. The Volvo F86 tractor unit was ordered by Simon's father Ray Brett in the April of 1970 - the same month as the birth of his only child. Purchased from Billows of Kettering, it joined Bretts' eight to 10-strong fleet and became a frequent sight on UK roads.

As time progressed and the miles clocked up Ray decided to keep the truck for sentimental reasons. It remained in use for a decade or so, before being used for local and yard shunting. More recently, Simon took the decision to restore the tractor unit to its former glory and called on the expertise of neighbouring business Ken Thomas Ltd - another Guyhirn-based transport and warehousing firm with a workshop specialising in restorations.

As part of the project the truck has been given a new livery which is a blend of the 1970s-style Bretts branding and a more contemporary look. Simon said: "I don't think the truck was originally purchased with the intention of keeping it all this time but then as the years rolled by I think there was a conscious decision to keep it for sentimental reasons. "When I was younger, I remember my father telling me the truck had driven the equivalent of the distance to the moon and back.

"My own early memories include going out in the truck on short runs with my father or with some of the other drivers, and driving the truck round and round in the yard on Sunday mornings when I was about 10 or 12. "It was before the yard was Tarmacked, so it created a lot of dust and was great fun!" Simon added: "Ken Thomas and Bretts have traded side by side for many years.

In that time John Thomas has restored many of his own vehicles to a very high standard, so I knew he would do a brilliant job. "I'm very proud to have had the vehicle owned by the company since 1970 to be restored to such a high standard.  It will now take pride of place at our premises alongside previously restored Bedford trucks, demonstrating its longevity and valued connection with our history." John Thomas, Managing Director of Ken Thomas Ltd, said: "The truck wasn't roadworthy when it came to us.

It had stood still for a good few years. But when he brought it in Simon said he wanted to keep everything as original as possible. "We did a whole rebuild and a full restoration.

There is an all-new chassis and we took out every nut and bolt apart from the engine, which we didn't touch. "There was a lot of work to do but it's been worth it as now she drives really nicely." He added: "I love seeing old lorries when they're finished - I have my own classics too, so this was a really exciting project for me - especially as it was from Bretts so there was so much local history associated with it and one local owner from new."

With roots stretching back to the 1880s Bretts celebrated 90 years in transport last year.

In the year of Simon's birth the company employed a workforce of around 12 to 15 and operated one 4,000 sq ft warehouse and a fleet of eight to 10 vehicles.

Today the company operates some 260,000 sq ft of warehousing, with 160 employees, 80 vehicles and 150 trailers.