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Newark Vintage Tractor and Heritage Show to showcase ERF and Atkinson Trucks trucks celebrating 90 years




Visitors to an Agricultural show will be able to see a large collection of ERF and Atkinson Trucks which coincide with the 90th anniversary of these iconic brands.

The Newark Vintage Tractor and Heritage Show which will take place on November 4 and 5 will feature several examples of the vehicles.

ERF was a British truck manufacturer, established in 1933 by Edwin Richard Foden (ERF).

Richard Dale Atkinson's truck, Image: Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society
Richard Dale Atkinson's truck, Image: Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society

It was purchased by MAN SE, known for its commercial vehicles and trucks, but ceased production in 2008.

Never a major manufacturer, domestic sales of the trucks only reached 1,083 by 1981.

Visitors to Newark Showground in November will be able to get a sense of this slice of history.

On display at the National Vintage Tractor and Engine Club, North Midlands’ stand will be a 1962 12-tonne ERF truck, owned by Alan Hitchcock.

“The vehicle was first registered in July 1962, and the present owner bought it in 2022,” said club representative, Derek Turton.

“It will be at our stand, and on the back will be a vintage tractor — so it will be quite the display.

"It will be the first time we’ve had a stand at the show, we’re all excited, particularly with the 90 years of ERF theme.”

Rich Eldred's truck, Image: Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society
Rich Eldred's truck, Image: Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society

One of the more modern trucks on display is owned by Rich Eldred — a 1997 ERF EC Olympic Gold.

“My dad used to have one when I was a kid and I have always wanted one,” explains Mr Eldred.

“Three years ago I finally bought one.

"I bought it from a friend who was retiring from work.

"It was fulfilling a childhood dream for me.

It’s quite a rare truck, too, as it’s a Gold spec Olympic, which means it’s top spec all over.

"Every box was ticked, which in 1997 even meant that it had air conditioning.”

One exhibitor bringing both an ERF truck and an Atkinson truck is Richard Dale.

Atkinson had a similar philosophy to ERF — aiming for value-for-money lorries.

It was founded in 1970 but became defunct by 2009.

The Atkinson truck Mr Dale is bringing to the show is from 1993.

“It was first owned by British Petroleum, it was then purchased by someone who had a fuel business himself – Stone’s Fuels - so he could deliver to the fisheries around the East coast,” says Mr Dale.

When the fuel business went under new ownership, the truck was painted red.

Another of Richard Dale's trucks. Image: Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society
Another of Richard Dale's trucks. Image: Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society

“Then he bought the business back, and the truck remained in his garage for 26 years.," said Mr Dale.

In May, I had the chance to purchase the truck, so we have put it back to his colours, with his name on it — as a tribute to him and Stone’s Fuels — we’re going to surprise him.”

Mr Dale added that the truck was rare and that he had not seen one for many years.

Surprisingly it started the first time and had minimal damage after being dry-stored.

Mr Dale’s ERF truck was originally owned by Flo Gas but was later sold to a local farmer.

“He ran it for several years on the farm, still in the Flo Gas colours – it had been stood in the yard for two years when he asked if we could come and paint the front bumper,” he said.

“So we asked what his plans were for it, and he said he was going to sell it — so we bought it and repainted it into our colours — Seven Acre Commercials.

"And we use it to bring vehicles to shows.

"The truck gets shown too, as well as whatever is on the back of it.”

Tickets to the event are available here:

https://newarkvintagetractorshow.ticketsrv.co.uk/tickets/

There will be a wide range of other classic and vintage machinery and engines on display at the show, with multiple other celebrations taking place.

For more information about the show, visit: www.newarkvintagetractorshow.com.

“Commercials play an important part in British history, and we’re looking forward to having so many all in one place,” said show organiser, Elizabeth Halsall.

“It’s great to have these vehicles, which have such interesting pasts at the show — it’s really special.”



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