1927 Karrier truck back on the road after 34-year restoration

A 1927 truck is back on the roads of North Yorkshire after being restored to its former glory in a 34-year labour of love.

The truck was bought by the haulage company Prestons of Potto, Northallerton, in the early 1980s, when its wooden cab was removed and sent to a local carpenter for restoration. The engine was also removed and sent to a local engineering firm who began the rebuild which was completed by an acquaintance of late managing director Richard Preston.

White metal bearings were hand-scraped and missing parts for the door mechanisms and carburettor were handmade over two years. The body, meanwhile, was refurbished and painted in house at Prestons of Potto.

“The Karrier lorry was purchased at an auction along with a charabanc as a job lot,” said Prestons of Potto’s managing director David Preston. “The charabanc was the main reason for purchase, however, when we collected the vehicles, we realised the Karrier was a unique vehicle and the decision was taken to restore it.

“The rarity of the vehicle meant the restoration took a long time as spare parts proved impossible to find and had to be manufactured or modified.”

To complete the project, Morris Lubricants, of Shrewsbury, supplied its Golden Film heritage oil to ensure the restored Karrier truck ran smoothly.