The Johnson family, who are based near Keston in Kent, have ‘a bit of a thing’ about Scammells. They own three, and their trio, ranging in age from 1938 to 1965, show the evolution of the bonneted Scammell Motive Unit, or MU. As is often the case with these vehicles they are all named, and, starting with the oldest, they answer to Ermintrude, Cherry Blossom and Wilemina. The family are husband Adam, wife Camilla and their son Ethan.
Scammell MU History
Scammell was founded in Fashion Street in London’s Spitalfields by wheelwright George Scammell in the late 19th Century. His nephew Richard later joined the business, which became G. Scammell & Nephew, repairing and building carts, and by the 1900s they were servicing and selling Foden Steam wagons.
George’s great nephew, Lt. Col. Alfred George Scammell was injured in the First World War, and upon returning home began developing an articulated six-wheeler lorry, along with their chief designer Percy Hugh, which was launched in 1920. This proved to be a success and the firm moved to their well-known Watford premises at Tolpits Lane in 1922, with a new company, Scammell Lorries Ltd., being formed at the same time.
