MIRACLE MAGGIE
We simply don’t have a clue. We go to somewhere like Gaydon’s premier Classic Truck event or perhaps walk down Madeira Drive at the end of the annual HCVS London to Brighton Run and expect to see visions of the highest standard. In truth, the feast of treasures in the modern day preservation world means we sometimes get a mite blasé whenever the ‘latest’ fantastic restorations arrive on the scene. But let’s just take an extra minute or two to ponder the time, dedication and unrelenting effort that has gone into converting someone’s vision back into road-going reality.
This particular – rather deep – personal train of thought was emphasised when we were invited to see John Thomas’ 1966 Magirus-Deutz 150 D 14 FS. And while obviously it was another fabulous addition to John’s stunning collection of classics, the Maggie was a heck of a lot more than that. Because when you take even the swiftest of glances at the ‘before we started’ images of that same 1966 4x2 tractor unit, you’ll hardly think you are looking at the same slice of Anglo / German heritage. Or as someone used to say: “I simply don’t believe it.”
Yes, we did tell you that John never walks away from a challenge – especially when he finds something that is a totally different rarity yet also a solid tangible link to his time as a teenager.
First Impressions
It was back in ’68 when John reached the first of his teenage years. By then, he knew exactly what he hoped his life was to bring as he loved the prospect of following in the footsteps of
