PIONEER AND EXPLORER TWO OF THE BEST OF BRITISH RECOVERY TRACTORS

Scammell, like many vehicles from this period, started up using the manufacturer’s own family name. Originally, G. Scammell and Nephew were a coachbuilding and wheelwright company, operating from the Spitalfields area of London, developing their business in the years following the First World War into the manufacture of adventurous vehicles for that period. They brought out their first articulated wagon in 1919, although it wasn’t until 1922, that Scammell Lorries Ltd., was formed, and they moved to their works at Tolpits Lane in Watford, where they would stay until the demise of the company.

In 1927, the Pioneer, a chain-driven six-wheeler powered by a four-cylinder overhead valve 80hp petrol engine, was being developed by the company for the burgeoning Middle Eastern market. The man behind the design of its innovative suspension on its double bogie was Scammell’s Director of Engineering Percy. G. Hugh and his brilliant young designer Oliver. D. North. The management had high hopes for it in the heavy haulage sector which was beginning to demand tractors with greater strength for larger indivisible loads. This gave Scammell and Oliver North, the chance to build super-heavy haulers capable of moving 100-ton loads, a feat unheard of before.