Joseph Lewis discovers, as a birthday surprise, a busy 1971 Atkinson Borderer that's still working hard in Dorset today.
Photography: Gareth Buscombe
One of the pleasant surprises for my birthday occurred during a visit to Haynes Motor Museum near Sparkford, in Somerset. Upon arrival, we passed an older appearance tractor unit at nearby Garrett Commercials.
This turned out to be the 1971 Atkinson Borderer owned by Gareth Buscombe and family from Kington Magna. This Borderer was new to NI Trailers at its Heysham Depot when the colours were black. The vehicle was one of a batch of three (MRN 380, 381 and 382) and this is the only one of the group to survive. Gareth purchased his Borderer from County Durham.
During a recent restoration, new pistons and liners were fitted, together with a new clutch.
Gareth uses his Borderer with a low-loader trailer to transport a 1916 Burrell steam roller. and was keen to highlight some of the other loads he hauls for friends. His next project is a 1953 Scammell MU.
This feature comes from the latest issue of Heritage Commercials, and you can get a money-saving subscription to this magazine simply by clicking HERE
