Most people would probably say that Matthew James’ 2012 customised Scania 480 road train was the most beautiful removals truck they had ever seen, with its airbrushed livery depicting scenes of famous landmarks. But for Matt De-Machen, the road train’s self confessed truck-mad owner, a new, even more impressive Scania is on the way.

Most people casting an appreciative eye over Matthew James’ 2012 customised Scania 480 road train would probably say it was the most beautiful removals truck they had ever seen.  From its airbrushed livery depicting scenes of famous landmarks on the route from London to Spain – the road train’s regular run – to its sumptuously crafted cream leather interior and multi-speaker sound system, the road train is truly a work of art. But for Matt De-Machen, the road train’s self confessed truck-mad owner, there is still room for improvement and a new, even more impressive Scania is on the way.

 
In March Matt took delivery of a new Scania 560 chassis from Scania Purfleet, the first stage in a £275,000 ten-month project involving several specialist companies who will all play their part in creating what will surely be the world’s ultimate removals truck.

“The 560 is a V8 whereas the current Scania 480 is a straight six, that will give us a tad more power for the Spanish mountains,” said Matt.  “We’ve also gone for left-hand-drive; we spend 95% of the time driving on the right, so it makes sense.”

Despite its exotic specification Matt has not forgotten the new flagship of the Matthew James fleet is still a working vehicle. “We’ll be putting the container doors on the right to make loading and unloading easier on the Continent and we’ve specified smaller tyres so the chassis can be two inches lower than the current one – more cubes mean more money,” said Matt.

It’s no secret that Matt is not always easy to please when it comes to his beloved trucks, but he has nothing but praise for the people at Scania. “We looked at other options but no one could match the specification we wanted like Scania. No matter what we asked for Scania could do it. Other manufacturers just wanted us to buy a chassis and do the rest ourselves, but Scania offered to help and support us all the way to completion. Their UK Sales Director, Martin Hay has personally overseen the whole order - he knows how fussy I am,” said Matt.

The virgin chassis will soon be delivered to body builders UVB in Warrington where it will spend around three months before being taken to Baileys in Wisbech to be fitted with an impressive array of bars and lights, all in accordance with Matt’s exacting instructions. Next stop will be Sheffield where custom paint specialists Andy and Tom Scott will work their magic creating the truck’s unique artwork. (To be revealed later.)

Last stop on the journey will be the town of Urk in the Netherlands where the Scania’s cab will receive its five-star treatment from Special Interiors, again to Matt’s individual design and taste.

So, what of the old road train when the new one is finished? “The 480 is now nine month’s old and it’s already done over 100,000 kilometres,” said Matt.  “But that’s nothing for a Scania, we have two road trains that are 12 years old and have covered 1.4 million each – they just keep on going.  I’ll be handing the 480 over to my number one driver, George Fewins, he’s nearly as mad about trucks as I am!”

In line with family tradition the new road train will be named after Matt’s eight-year-old daughter, Millie Gemma, who will no doubt be thrilled to see her name inscribed on the front of the cab.