Retro Show ‘22 – The Roundtrip

The Retro Show 2022 marked the first UK outing for the Gr814, and the trip there and back was made in good company.

The First Leg

The journey began from Ipswich to Elmswell, meeting up with James in EGV and Mat with Jim Cammack’s 143. Elmswell worked well as a meeting point: there was an early finish on one side, while James couldn’t finish until 1730hrs at the earliest. A couple of jobs also needed finishing, requiring a few tools and some nuts, bolts and screws.

The first task was fitting the CB in the Gr814. Fairly straightforward, as an aerial and cable were already in place, so it was just a case of connecting the power — also already there once it had been located — and mounting the bracket on the sunroof surround, well out of the way. Much to my delight, once it was all in, it worked a dream: good range and clear sound with no effort. Just how I like it.

The second and all-important job, although a temporary fix until he’s painted, was replacing the broken Mercedes-Benz badge on the back. Turning up at the show with a broken badge simply wouldn’t do.

Rolling Out

Once the jobs were done, Mat had given the truck a good wipe around to try to degrease it, and JC had finished the day job, there was just time for a roll call photo before hitting the road.

The fourth member of the convoy was already flying along to the sound of Karen Carpenter and her siblings, so the plan was to meet at Rothwell Truckstop on the A14, just west of Kettering. After a pasty and a bottle of Coke, we left Rothwell with Brian Potter leading the way in his drop dead gorgeous Swedish beauty. Sadly, MDF soon realised why I had been in front on the way up. Unlike my hero the Duck, I did have everyone following me — I wasn’t just in front because the Gr814 is somewhat relaxed about speed. A new diff might be a sound investment to give a little more than 50mph, though it wouldn’t have been too much of a problem if JC had driven EGV rather than trailered it. Anyway, a steady 50 is good for the fuel gauge.

Diversions and Arrival

Once on the way to Gaydon, the planned route was the A14, M6, A46 and M40. Sadly, as is often the way on a Friday evening, the authorities had better ideas and we were diverted off the A46 into Coventry. Amazing — although a royal pain in the backside — it did provide some awesome memories of perhaps a time when dual carriageways were few and far between, when gorgeous old Scanias and Volvos would regularly be followed through towns. It provided some great photos, if nothing else.

Once back on the A46, it was a simple run down to Gaydon. As time was getting on, there was a little uncertainty about whether we could get in the gate. No need to worry: Lee Herbert and his team were more than accommodating, letting us all in, unloading the 141 and parking up ready for the morning. Perfecto.

The Run Home

The run home was a real lovely one in the sunny Sunday afternoon sun, although I did manage to leave the show and drive up the little hill past all the photographers with my fuel cap dangling on its chain. Bugger.

A change of route for the return: down the M40, A43 and A421 to Buckingham, Milton Keynes and on to Bedford. We then picked up the A428 back to Cambridge. A nice run, chosen as we all potentially needed fuel on the way home. Once nearly back at Cambridge we headed our separate ways, as JC wanted to get back to Elmswell and unload EGV. I then headed down the M11, across the A505 and down the A1307 to Haverhill, and the back roads home to just near Colchester where I live. May was going to follow me but daydreamed on to Bury St Edmunds and then back down to Sudbury and Halstead.

Verdict

The little Gr814 didn’t miss a beat and, to be honest, is a real pleasure to drive. It’s nowhere near as bouncy as you’d think, and by the time I got home I’d properly settled in — it looked like I’d been away for a week, towel hanging up to dry, bags on the top bunk, bedding on the bottom one, music on and CB there in case I needed a road report. Over 300 miles covered, and I’d happily do it all again. Perhaps a little more speed and a few less revs would be nice, but you can’t have everything.

Hopefully, well before the Retro Show 2023, the paint will be done and the other bits and bobs sorted, and he’ll be finished. Top round trip, top show and top mates.