Eric, Ryder was indeed, several branch-offices/workshops in Holland, also known by Roger, perhaps
somewhere I find leaflets on that rental
ERF-Continental:
Though the company named Ryder Europe…the leaflet only mentions Dutch-offices
thanks,
We had Ryder here in UK too. I drove some of them! Robert
Roadside south of Brno in Slovakia.
Just stopped for a quick pee!!!
Saviem:
Evening all, GMC Astros, there were quite a few in Europe.The US forces ones, mainly with ultra short day cabs, and a dreary Grey drab paint job. Often seen dormant, and lurking on Britains East Anglian desolate lay byes.
Wauthiers at Carvin supplied the Leferbvre family TAF vehicles, (and somewhere I have written about both this family, and their spectacular lorries).
I do not know much about those operated in Holland and Belgium, but Im trying to recall the French operator who subcontracted to VIT with two Astros. No rear wings, and painted blue and silver.
I think that all must have been Detroit powered, and from the TAF one I drove beautifully balanced as a 6x4, and the power delivery with a 13 speed Fuller, was just like a soprano reaching the highest possible note…then came the next gear, and the octaves rose again, and again, so unlike the “lug ability” of the Maxidine Mack…no faster overall, and probably a lot more expensive in fuel…but somehow magical, and totally ethereal in the way it rocketed with all the power of a full orchestra down the road! A real, drivers lorry, that sat you “womb like” in its secure surroundings, and just devoured the kilometres…a pleasure palace on wheels…fancy being paid for such delight!!
Yes, I suppose that I quite like Astros…Yes I do!
Cheerio for now…a little Bollinger may calm my nerves!!!
The obvious question being why didn’t GM just set up a UK Astro assembly operation instead of going to all the trouble of the developing the TM and its manufacturing operation.At best if it sold they would have saved all the development and production costs of the TM.While at worst nothing to lose if it didn’t sell.
Out of a dated brochure “Chauffeur: een beroep” (Driver: a profession") from 1978 a typical
sight on the German Autobahn near a Rasthof.
Apparently I missed the US-series of “Hunter” in which this GMC had a significant role?
A Belgian classic Astro…Van de weghe from Wilrijk was a specialist in heavy transport and cranes.
Picture is made in front of the NOORDNATIE-warehouse, Antwerp-harbour
Jim Ski has made a fabulous model of my GMC Astro with it’s Dorsey trailer and cooks of Rainham tilt body which will be on display at Gaydon!
Jazzandy, I am convinced that your model will get utmost attention, a very classic but rare model!
Dorsey, wow…and Great Dane, together with Utility and Trailmobile, marvelous marques!
Enjoy Gaydon! A-J
French Astro.
That looks a nice setup. I do like some yank cabovers and often thinking why they didn’t take off better than they did around europe. Excellent pic tho…,…
Evening all,
Karl, the Leferbvre family had a knack of making all of their lorries, (TAF, TALFA, LVL LF), look really spectacular. The whole family were quite spectacular…and their Astro`s, (of it has to be said a variety of specs), real …hooligan lorries…I loved them…
Somewhere I have written about them, and of the family Wauthier who supplied them…
Real “drivers lorries”…and forget the business plan!!!
Cheerio for now.
Saviem i can understand why . like I said and carnt get my head round why the yank cabovers weren’t more popular was it price the spec or lack of dealers or poor promotion maybe all of them I do think they could have been more of a success with a bit more effort . maybe with some of your wisdom you may have some answers???cheers
michel:
French Astro.
Impressive and good looking! Special top-cab too
karl2878:
That looks a nice setup. I do like some yank cabovers and often thinking why they didn’t take off better than they did around europe. Excellent pic tho…,…
Understandable protectionist thinking amongst the majority of the Euro customer base in which German buyers generally bought German etc etc and the EU.The issue of EU type approval being the final nail.