Restored Race Car Transporter Is Classic Achievement
A painstaking 16-year restoration project, undertaken by classic vehicle enthusiast Richard Jones of Nantwich, Cheshire, has finally reached its conclusion. Almost. His cherished 1940 Dodge VK62B race car transporter, once owned by motor industry legend and sometime racing driver Dennis Poore, made its debut at the historic motorsport show Race Retro at Stoneleigh Park, taking its place alongside rare and legendary cars and bikes.
Immediately afterwards, the Dodge was returned to restoration specialists, VHC Automotive Restoration of Newcastle Under Lyme, for yet more fettling, snagging and checking over the brakes, engine and transmission. Only then will Richard and his ever-patient wife Lidia be able to fully enjoy the former RAF crew bus, which once necessitated them moving house just to acquire suitable garaging.
Following progress on the restoration with keen interest has been Manchester paintmaker, HMG, which has donated around 150 litres of coach enamel, undercoat, etch primer, chassis black and other coatings, believing it offers an ideal showcase for its classic vehicle finishes and for demonstrating the vital conservation role of paint. HMG used its colour matching expertise to replicate faithfully the Dodge’s original paintwork and formulated a semi-gloss topcoat finish more suited to an historic working vehicle, than a shiny new truck.
