1927 Scammell 100 Tonner Tractor Unit | Brightwells | Auction Ends: Tue 18th Aug

An important part of British engineering and transport heritage; one of just two Scammell 100-tonners built and the only survivor in running and driving order; affectionately know as 'Leaping Lena'; arguably the most significant surviving British heavy haulage vehicle

Initially conceived after the need arose for UK built Kitsons locomotives needing to be moved by road from Leeds to Liverpool docks for transport overseas.

Transport of steam locomotives was somewhat restricted, not only because of low railway bridges, but also having been designed for the continent, the UK railways themselves were of the wrong gauge.

The contract lay with Marston Road Services of Lightbody Street, Liverpool and due to MRS already having a relationship with Lt Colonel Alfred George Scammell, the two 100-Tonners were ordered.

Not an easy task to put together what Scammell called, ‘the worlds biggest lorries’ but Percy Garibaldi Hugh, Scammell’s Director of Engineering was up for the challenge, and along side his chief designer, Oliver Dansen North, they built both, allegedly within 8 months of being given the instructions.

Ernst Marston is also understood to be heavily involved at this stage, seen very much as a person ahead of his time, informing his contemporaries that in the future, multi wheel vehicles should be promoted for haulage as this would reduce the amount of wear on road surfaces and tonnage on each axle.

For those of you that know KD9168, you may not need to read any further but being such an incredibly important part of UK history, she deserves to be documented with as much detail as possible.

Widely regarded as a national treasure, KD9168 represents one of the most significant surviving examples of early British heavy haulage.

Before the 100-tonners were built, such heavy haulage was done by a fleet of traction engines, using far more people than the three crew used to operate the Scammell.

Although long associated with a 1927 build date, factory records suggest that the order was raised on 23 May 1929, with delivery to Marston Road Services recorded on 20 January 1930. It therefore appears that the commonly quoted 1927 date may relate to later registration records rather than the actual construction of the vehicle. What’s a year or two between nonagenarians!

The original order would have included the 100-ton Carrier, unfortunately the whereabouts now unknown, but Scammell records KD9168 as:

Order number – 1287

Chassis number – 1428

Raised – 23/5/29

Type – 100Ton

Model – Y

Invoice Number – L199

Delivered – 20/1/30

Tyres – 8 x771 Special 100 Ton Henley

The original engine is believed to have been a Scammell 7-litre petrol unit developing 80BHP which drove the innovative 4-speed gearbox to a maximum of approx. 6MPH at about 0.75 miles per gallon.

As can be seen in the photographs there is now the legendary Gardner 6LW diesel six cylinder unit fitted which produces 112BHP. This would have replaced the engine in the early 1930s to improve reliability and fuel consumption.

The replacement of the original Scammell petrol engine with the Gardner was entirely in keeping with commercial practice of the period, the renowned Gardner diesel becoming the preferred power unit for many heavy commercial operators because of its remarkable reliability and economy.

While in the care of MRS, who later were absorbed by Edward Box & Co Ltd, KD9168 was responsible for moving abnormal loads all over the country, which included

- Over 100 Vulcan locomotives across the Penines

- The 35-ton propellor of The Queen Mary from London to Southampton

- A 53-ton Rudder from the Berengaria, Darlington to Southampton

- A 73-ton Mill Motor Armature

- Countless 60-ton boilers

- A vast 170-ton transformer

- A very specialist job moving a 165 ton ingot mould only a mile from Brightside Foundry in Sheffield to a the Steelworks (apparently in icy conditions) down an especially prepared route.

In 1949, the UKs road haulage industry was nationalised and KD9168 was moved on to BRS (Pickfords) Ltd and as can be seen in many images online and within the file, the famous Pickfords livery was applied to both KD9168 and her twin BLH21 until they were retired from active service in the 1950s.

KD9168 was then purchased by Hardwick & Sons who often took her to shows. Online images can be seen showing the Hardwick livery at Brighton and Epsom.

She continued into private hands of the Hudson family in the 1970s, the current livery was designed and she has been taken to countless events over the years, being maintained and kept driving most of the time. Between 1983 and 2018, she had a well earnt rest while being admired by 1000s, on loan from the Hudson family to the British Commercial Vehicle Museum in Lancashire.

From 2018 to the present day, KD9168 has resided with the Hudsons indoors and now the decision has been made to offer her for sale again, giving someone else the opportunity to continue to respect her heritage and add to her legacy.

There is a comprehensive file of paperwork that accompanies the Scammell with copies of various photographs and typed research from previous owners and the Scammell Register. The original buff logbook and more contemporary V5C are also present.

For almost a century, KD9168 has become one of the most recognisable preserved heavy haulage vehicles in Britain, appearing in books, magazines, exhibitions and historic transport events and becoming well known to enthusiasts around the world.

This one is not to miss and viewing is strictly by appointment at our base at HR6 0DE, with the online bidding starting the auction on 17th August and finishing at midday on the 18th August.

Vehicles of this significance seldom reach the open market and Brightwells are honoured to have been entrusted with the sale of KD9168 and would like to thank the Hudson family for preserving and sharing this remarkable survivor for so many decades.

We now look forward to seeing the next custodian write the next chapter in the story of one of Britain's greatest historic commercial vehicles.

If you would like any further details on this magnificent machine please ring the office on 01568 611122 or email [email protected]

Further vintage footage can be seen here with KD9168 moving the 'worlds largest girder' - https://www.britishpathe.com/asset/42745/

Carrying a 53 ton Rudder - https://www.britishpathe.com/asset/38870/