bird's eye view by the hawk Commercial Motor takes road
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haulage very seriously. However, once a week our quirky correspondent, the Hawk, steps off his perch to take a humorous look at the industry to keep us all sane. If you have any off-beat yams that illustrate the stranger, or sillier, side of the business, he'd like to hear from you. As a softhearted old bird, he's also happy to publicise charitable works— and is always interested in events for the vintage vehicles he drove as a fledgling. Drop the Hawk a line at Commercial Motor, Bird's Eye View, Rm H203, Quadrant House, The Quadrant, Sutton, Surrey SM25AS, or fax him on 0181652 8969.
Moving with the past
Eilou see before you an example of craftsmanship with a capital C. Believed to be the oldest motor caravan in the world, this Ford Model T was built in 1914. It was originally owned by the department store Rentalls, but by the time Redhill farmer Leo Smith came across it 30 years ago it belonged to a writer who was using it as a garden shed. Happily, when he began restoration work, Leo, assisted by his friend Robin Tanner, discovered it was relatively sound. (I don't suppose it did much mileage when it was a garden shed.) The chassis, which has a Raico extension for length and extra loading capacity, was fitted by Ford and the hotly is by gypsy caravan builders Duntons of Reading. The caravan, which has a top speed of 24mph, is elegantly furnished with all the creature comforts. Leo explains: It has two bunk beds, one at either end, and a double bed at the near end. The driver and passenger seat is a settee, which can he swung round to enjoy the comforts of the van, and a small coal stove is fitted for heating and cooking." A coal stove! Now you're talking, Leo: a proper place to warm your mitts!