When Michael L Faiers set himself up as an owner-driver back in 1978 he fancied a Scania LB141 but, with demand for the model so high, he found a six-month waiting list. A DAF 2800 nobly filled the gap, proving a good truck, and even afforded Michael priority unloading on his frequent loads to the manufacturers Eindhoven factory. However, it wasnt too long before the first LB141, YGV 80S, was bought and not long after that NRT 890W doubled the size of Michaels fleet. With a driver employed for the older unit, Michael took the wheel of his new charge, piloting it on two continental trips a week to Belgium and Holland, mainly for Nipress. The truck was loaded with extras such as two sets of spotlights, quadruple fog lamps, double 88-gallon tanks, a continental style headboard, sun visor, wheel trims and roof spoiler, all of which pushed the price up to an eye-watering 27,782. However, the unit made a stunning sight, was a great advertisement for Michael and realised a strong residual when sold two years later. Michael stuck mainly with V8 Scanias until he retired in 2006 at which point he had owned and operated up to forty examples. NRT 890W is pictured waiting to unload at a cash and carry in Wales when just six months old. Note the electrical cable running down the trailer side which powered a removable lightboard hung on the rear as the Nipress tri-axle tilt had no rear lights of its own. (Photo: Marcus Lester) |
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