The truck was bought by the company from auction in the early 1980s.
“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,” says David Preston, managing director.
Its wooden cab was removed and sent to a local carpenter for restoration. The engine was also removed and sent to an engineering firm, which began the rebuild which was then 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 was refurbished and painted in house at Prestons of Potto.
Towards the end of the project, Morris Lubricants supplied oil from its Golden Film heritage range to ensure the restored Karrier would run smoothly.
“Prestons of Potto is a longstanding and valued customer and we were delighted to help complete the restoration project by supplying engine oil,” says Morris Lubricants’ MD Andrew Goddard, (left, with David Preston), himself a vintage vehicle enthusiast.
“All vehicles of that age had much the same lubrication requirements, which is why our heritage range is so popular.”