Bretts gets classic Volvo truck restored to former glory

The Volvo F86 was ordered by Ray Brett in April 1970, around the time of the birth of his only child Simon.

Purchased from Billows of Kettering, it joined the Guyhirn haulier’s eight to 10-strong fleet and became a frequent sight on UK roads.

As the years passed and the miles clocked up, Ray chose to keep the truck for sentimental reasons and eventually it was used for local and yard shunting.

But Simon decided to restore the vehicle and called on the expertise of neighbouring business Ken Thomas, which owns a workshop specialising in restorations.

Bretts Transport said that as part of the project, the truck has been given a new livery which it described as a blend of the 1970s-style branding and a more contemporary look.

“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,” Simon said.

“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.

“It will now take pride of place at our premises alongside previously restored Bedford trucks, demonstrating its longevity and valued connection with our history.”

Ken Thomas MD John Thomas said the truck was not roadworthy when it came to them and it had stood still for years: “But when he brought it in Simon said he wanted to keep everything as original as possible,” he explained.

“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.