Trucks (up to 1960) - Great Britain: Illustrated History Books & Guides

When Steam Ruled the Roads - A Traction Engine Archive

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From the late nineteenth century to the late 1920s, road steam traction engines played a central role in transport and industry. Before their arrival, portable steam engines were moved by horses between farms to power machinery such as threshing equipment.
The development of self-propelled traction engines brought major progress and adapted quickly to changing transport laws. Fairground operators used them to haul large travelling shows, farmers relied on ploughing and threshing engines, road hauliers moved heavy loads, and steam rollers built and repaired roads.

After the First World War, cheap surplus petrol vehicles led many hauliers and showmen to abandon steam power. Even so, steam wagons were still produced into the late 1930s, and some local authorities continued to use steam rollers until the 1960s.

In this illustrated book, Colin Tyson presents a rich collection of images showing traction engines in their many forms during the period when steam truly ruled the roads.

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Steam Wagons in Preservation

The steam lorry, or wagon, was developed in Britain alongside the internal combustion truck, reaching its peak between 1900 and the early 1930s. By the mid-1930s, more efficient diesel engines and new regulations caused their decline.
Two main steam wagon manufacturers eventually switched to diesel, while others had already converted or closed. By 1960, commercial use of steam lorries had almost ended, though many have been preserved.

In this illustrated book, Malcolm Batten traces the history of these vehicles, featuring previously unpublished images and informative captions that highlight their design, operation, and legacy.

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Commercial Vehicles Built Before 1960

Between the 1930s and 1960s, during the peak of Britain's railways, road hauliers were in stiff competition to transport goods. The commercial vehicles used during this period varied from articulated lorries to vans, trucks, recovery vehicles and wreckers.

With photographs featuring a range of vehicle types and manufacturers both popular and obscure, Royston Morris offers an interesting insight into a range of surviving commercial vehicles dating from before 1960.

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The London to Brighton Historic Commercial Vehicle Run: 1971-1995

The London to Brighton Historic Commercial Vehicle run is one of the premier events in the calendar for preserved commercial vehicle owners and enthusiasts alike. First held in 1962, this annual event has continued to feature every year since.

Until 2019 it was traditionally held on the first Sunday in May, with vehicles traveling from London to Brighton where they line up on Marina Drive for judging and prize-giving in the afternoon. There is a rolling minimum age limit of twenty-five years, but vehicles may date back to the very origins of the internal combustion engine, while steam-powered traction engines and wagons are also included.

Malcolm Batten first visited Brighton for the run in 1971, and has been back each year without exception. In this book, some of the highlights of the years 1971 to 1995 are showcased. This period saw the run sponsored in turn by Foden, Wincanton Transport and then Scania.

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Scrapped and Disused Lorries

It is not possible to save and restore all lorries that have come to the end of their working life.
In operators' yards there is often an assortment of old vehicles, with some used for spares to keep others running. Scrapyards also often have a motley collection of vehicles in various forms of decay.
Of course, with the ever increasing interest in preserving our past quite a few vehicles have been rescued and rebuilt from seemingly impossible states of disrepair.

This book offers a fascinating insight into the twilight years of some of these lorries.

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Steam Lorries

Steam power led the transport revolution in England throughout the nineteenth century, but was crippled on the road network by punitive legislation. As the century turned, the laws were altered in such a way that the development of the English Steam Lorry or Wagon became a viable transport proposition.
For the best part of four decades, the steam lorry was a major player on the transport scene, being developed into a highly technical machine designed to beat competition from the petrol and diesel lorry. The most advanced machines were efficient and very fast.

Made by a variety of builders, including the famous Sentinel company of Shrewsbury, who built waggons with a double 'g', and Foden, of Sandbach, steam lorries came in many shapes and sizes. This book looks at their birth, and the operation and engineering that set them aside from the traction engine and steam roller.

This book is part of the Britain's Heritage series, which provides definitive introductions to the riches of Britain's past, and is the perfect way to get acquainted with steam lorries in all their variety.

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British Lorries 1900-1945

The first 45 years of the 20th century saw the most formative period in the history of commercial vehicles: in 1900 the mechanically powered lorry was a novelty, yet by 1945 the ancestors of today's 38-ton juggernauts were clearly identifiable.
In sharp contrast to the current picture, over forty lorry manufacturers were active in Britain during the period, most of whom have now sadly ceased production.

In this book S.W. Stevens-Stratten has provided a concise textual history of 42 manufacturers and their products ranging from the more prominent firms such as Albion and Foden to less well-known concerns such as Bean and Caledon.

The book is profusely illustrated with more than 200 superb black and white photographs and provides a feast of nostalgia for the more general reader, as well as a comprehensive reference for the enthusiast.

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25 Years of the Ayrshire Road Run

The Ayrshire Road Run was instigated in 1993 as an adjunct to the established annual vintage rally organised by the Ayrshire Vintage Tractor & Machinery Club (AVT&MC).
The idea was to promote the rally by running entered commercial vehicles around the major towns in Ayrshire. Over the following years the Road Run attracted more and more vintage vehicles, from small vans and double-decker buses to full-sized articulated lorries.

The event has continued to grow, attracting more than a hundred vehicles each year. Here, organiser Bill Reid celebrates twenty-five years of the run with a superb collection of photographs documenting the various participants from over the years.

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The London to Brighton Commercial Vehicles Run- 1968 to 1987

The London to Brighton run, held each year by the Historic Commercial Vehicle Society, is a key date in the diary of any vintage vehicle enthusiast or member of the preservation community.
David Christie attended the run on a number of occasions between 1968 and 1987, and the images included here document the wonderful variety of commercial vehicles that could be seen - all captured in stunning full-colour photography. Vehicles featured include buses, steam wagons, heavy lorries and some lighter vehicles.

These images were captured at various spots along the route, finishing at the sea front in Brighton. Immensely evocative and immaculately preserved, these photos act as both an important historical record and a triumphant celebration of our motoring heritage.

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British Lorries of the 1950s

British commercial vehicle manufacturers played a key role in bolstering Britain's economy throughout the 1950s, especially during the period of postwar austerity, a time when they contributed to the all-important export drive. British lorries were, therefore, seen as the workhorses of the world and performed a wide range of tasks from goods delivery to heavy haulage.
This highly visual study of British lorries of the 1950s captures, in 120 illustrations, the vital but often understated duties that were reliably conducted 365 days a year.

The images, contemporary black and white as well as colour, include evocative publicity material in addition to pictures from the preservation and heritage scene.
The comprehensive text reveals much about the marques that were household names, along with information about Britain's road haulage and commercial motor industries.

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Classic Trucks

Classic trucks are an important part of our heritage and are supported by many enthusiasts in the preservation world and the general public. Events nationwide throughout the year command lots of vehicle entries from the many clubs and preservation groups, and large numbers of the general public.
It could be well known liveries from the past, the sound of a particular engine or the smell of diesel that stirs the interest of those who see them.

This book has a wide selection of trucks from the early 1900s to late 1970s, some on the rally field, some at work or abandoned - each one has a story to tell.
With a wealth of previously unpublished images, Roy Dodsworth offers a nostalgic and charming look at a range of classic trucks.

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The Writing's on the Truck : The Tales and Photographs of a Traditional Signwriter

A pictorial look at the traditional art of signwriting on commercial vehicles, by renowned signwriter John Corah. John began signwriting in 1982 working for Brian Harris Transport Ltd.
Brian's well-turned out trucks were regularly seen on the roads between the Southwest and the North of Scotland and with this excellent showcase for his skills, John quickly built up a large customer base.

Since then, he has written on ERFs, Leylands, Guys, Fodens, Atkinsons, Albions and AECs to name but a few and he is responsible for the distinctive livery of a number of traditional family run haulage companies.
In some cases he worked on the vehicles when brand new and then again when restored some 20-30 years later!
Sadly many of the once familiar and iconic companies have disappeared over the years and today computer generated vinyl lettering has almost completely taken over the art and few modern fleets are signwritten.

"The Writing's on the Truck" includes 210 fully captioned and previously unpublished photos of the vehicles he worked on, many of which will be remembered by transport fans UK-wide. The book tells the story of the development of John's business, the methods he uses to create particular effects and numerous anecdotes from his working life.
It will be of interest to anyone involved with road haulage and the preservation of classic trucks.

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The Trucks of the Trans Pennine Run : A Photographic History

Every year on the first Sunday in August, hundreds gather to see one of the greatest displays of historic commercial vehicles. First organised in 1969, the Trans Pennine Run attracts an annual entry of around 200 vehicles coming from all over the UK.

The event starts at Birch Services on the M62 at Manchester at about 7.30 in the morning and runs for 64 miles via Rochdale, Halifax and Bradford, taking in some of the finest Yorkshire scenery along the way.
From 11.30 the vehicles start arriving at the famous Harrogate Stray where they are then displayed to the public.

Avid photographer, Roy Dodsworth has been following the event since the late 1990s and has a collection of over 3000 images taken there.
This book collects together 262 of Roy's favourite truck photos, including a bit of history about each of the vehicles - many of which have been restored to their original livery.

"The Trucks of the Trans Pennine Run" is a must-have for any driver who has ever participated in the run. Current and former truckers and anyone else with an interest in transport history will all enjoy being reminded of these beautiful old vehicles.

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British Lorries 1945-1965

The first post-war British lorries exhibited very definite pre-war characteristics, and it was to be a good while before British manufacturers began to design their vehicles along new lines. A few brave companies came up with fresh thinking but most of these fell by the wayside.
This book traces the path of the British lorry through 20 years via the manufacturers' own sales and publicity material, from the revolutionary - but now forgotten - Jensen to classics like the Bedford TK.

During the period covered there were approximately 40 manufacturers of commercial vehicles in the United Kingdom. Several were small or specialised firms with limited production whilst others became absorbed into more successful companies. Albion, for example, was taken over by Leyland during 1951. By 1965 only a few of the even the larger firms remained, and individuality was fast becoming just a memory.

More than 400 illustrations from brochures and catalogues, combining often inspired artwork with photographs, give a fascinating social insight as well as providing the true commercial vehicle enthusiast with hard to find technical details and specifications.

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Steam Wagons

Steam engines that carry goods on the roads developed considerably later than traction engines and steam rollers, which had started to appear in the mid 1860s.
This book tells the story of steam wagons from the earliest designs through to the last models. It explains how they worked and what they did.
An informative text is combined with a selection of photographs to illustrate steam wagons both at work in their heyday in the early twentieth century and in action more recently in the period in which they have become valued historical artefacts.

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