Lot Ended
Description
Rare Second World War 6x4 tractor unit; 12,000cc Gardner diesel
engine; running, driving and stopping; a magnificent machine; Booth's
livery
Another World War Two gem included in the auction is this immense 6x4
Scammell Pioneer tractor unit.
Introduced in the late-1920s,
the Pioneer provided sterling service during WW2 as an artillery tractor,
recovery vehicle and tank transporter, thanks to the enormous pulling-power
of its monstrous low-revving Gardner 12,000cc six-cylinder diesel engine.
Around 1,975 were built during the war years but many were lost during the
retreat from Dunkirk in June 1940. Others remained in military use as late as
the 1980s.
As with many ex-military
vehicles, early history can be hazy and hearsay often creeps in, so
without photographs or documentary evidence it is hard to be sure of the
exact provenance.
This SV2S was first registered
for civilian use in 1978 and is declared as having been first manufactured in
1942, although we have had some interested parties suggesting it might have been
built a little earlier. During its life with the military, it is thought that it
might have been primarily used by the RAF due to some underlying grey paint
discovered while it was being restored.
Like the AEC Matador
elsewhere in this auction (Lot 43), this Scammell was once owned by
well-known restorer and sign writer, Graham Booth. For those that know, Graham
has worked on countless vehicles over the years and many have been admired at
shows across the UK. Images of much of his work can be seen on social media and
forums online.
Our vendor has owned both this
Pioneer and the Matador since 2023, purchasing them from Booth himself, but now
badly needs to free up some space, hence the reason for
sale.
We have driven it around
our large 10-acre site several times since it arrived, and although we have
not been through all the gears, we have no reason to doubt they aren't all there
and working. In fact we are told that it was recently used to recover an
equally large heavy commercial which it then towed for over 40
miles.
We have not tried out the
winch/crane abilities but again, everything looks mechanically in order and
present – even if the electrics might need a little fettling. A video of it
running and driving can be supplied on request - the billowing diesel fumes
shown in the last start-up photo evaporate quickly once it warms
up.
Regularly seen at shows over the years, some of you will no doubt
know this Pioneer already but you now have an extremely rare opportunity to
actually own it, whether for show use or for the heavy hauling it was designed
for. Whatever you do though, don’t leave it standing in the shed – this
magnificent beast needs to be shared and shown to all….
Contact -
[email protected]