In 1896, naval engineer John Thornycroft formed the Thornycroft Steam Carriage and Van Company and by 1919, Thornycroft was estsblished as a major manufacturer of, amongst other things, commercial vehicles. Over time, like many other great names, much of that has slipped away. This particular example of a Thornycroft lorry from 1919, owned and restored by Toby Robinson, from Newick in East Sussex, is a particularly rare example. 1 of only 3 low radiator J type Thornycrofts to survive, this one is the only civilian J type restored and currently running. Chassis number J7860 is recorded as being delivered in 1919 to a Mr Joseph Brierley of Warrington, Cheshire, local metal merchant and general haulier, who later found local fame for having numerous Supermarine Spitfires piled up in his yard prior to scrapping. From here it was sold into preservation and underwent a couple of unauthentic rebuilds, appearing very sparsely at public events. Toby purchased the vehicle in 2019 with the view to restoring it to its authentic condition as it would have worked a hundred years earlier. Since then Toby, 21 at the time, has been obliged to learn a whole range of new skills including coach painting, signwriting, gilding, woodwork, metal work, riveting and pattern making. He also undertaken extensive research and has completed the required drawings and design documents to a very high standard. It has taken 4 years to deliver this very rare 1919 Thornycroft lorry, completed to a very high standard indeed. As a result the Trust is delighted to recognise Toby's efforts with a restoration award.
