The Motive Power of Empire

The photo of the Pickford's Scammel above is published by kind permission of Tom Evans

From the cross and poppy strewn killing fields of the Great War, the Victorian wagon manufacturer, Scammell, learnt an important lesson. That lorries could, and should, be capable of transporting and lugging far greater loads than had been previously expected.

In 1919 this well established firm surprised the nascent British commercial vehicle industry by introducing a vehicle capable of a far greater payload than anything previously attempted in the UK. Based conceptually on the American Knox, the superior Scammell unit featured uniquely (for 1920) featured an OHV 4 cylinder engine made of aero engine iron, thus establishing a tradition of innovation and engineering that was to be the soul of every Scammell ever made.

Two years later, Scammells were already being exported to the sun drenched corners of the British Empire, and indeed, one of the first export models, sent to the Gold Coast in 1921, is believed still to be in service! As tanker transportation became ever more economically viable, so Scammell's expertise in tractor design was applied to this field, with 80% of production by 1929 being this type of vehicle.

From the 1930's an independent oil power unit finally became available in the shape of the Gardner, leaving Scammell's engineers free to concentrate on ever more rugged and adventurous truck and tractor design.

This expertise in tractor unit engineering found unusual application in the development of lightweight traction unit for the British Railway system, and these marvelous three wheeled contraptions became as familiar sight on London platforms as the FX taxi.

Absorbed into the Leyland empire in the 50's, Scammell continued as a manufacturer of heavy vehicles, enjoying, due to their unique expertise, an unusual degree of autonomy within that growing empire. The oil fields of Iran, the highveldt of South Africa alike proved fertile ground for these magnificent vehicles.

As the great deluge of incompetence swept through the British Motor Industry in the 80's, Scammell was carried away together with AEC, BMC and all the great names of British automotive history. Even Leyland themselves finally crumbled to Volvo / DAF, where the sheer monotony of their appalling cars were seen echoed in a new range of yawn trains.

Still proving their worth today... A 1950's Scammell hauls a modern Volvo Roadyawner out of trouble (Shame it didn't leave it there!)

The Scammell tradition is kept alive by the hundreds of Scammell lorries still giving sterling everyday service throughout the world, and by the Scammell Register, c/o Mr. J A C Kemp (Secretary), 25 Siskin Way, Hazel Coppice, Kidderminster, Worcs DY10 4TD. As well as publishing a regular newsletter, the Register also provides an excellent source for research, Scammell sales and fellow enthusiasts!