Roadholder 364 - April 2018

24 We bought the ex-John Player Norton 'Dodge Discoverer' transporter in December 1982, subject to photographs etc., but unseen. The Reg No. NTL 60 was on it when we bought it and remained on when we sold it in 1985. My father had been searching for the Discoverer and it eventually turned up in the Gloucester area, a price was agreed, and my best mate and myself set off on the train from Dundee to collect both the transporter and my father, who was down south on business. On arrival at the station, we were collected by a gent (sheepskin coat, older Jag, are you seeing a picture emerging?). The Dodge was supposed to have been put through an MoT and been checked-over for its trip north; we were given an excuse about the MoT, which was glossed over very smoothly! The gent had very kindly filled it with fuel (35 gallons) for which we were given an invoice to pay. After much digging in pockets etc. we paid and asked about the trade plates that had been agreed to be provided as the vehicle was not taxed yet. These were produced and we set sail to pick up my father and many Cosworth bits, an hour or so down the road. Having loaded all this equipment, all three of us settled into the Dodge for the trip up the M6. I have to say that it was a joy to drive, just put in 'drive' and stand on the 'loud' pedal and whoosh! - you were doing 70mph. After a few hours, and at least one more fuel stop, we got back home with no dramas. After a few days having off- loaded all the gear etc., we thought we had better return the trade plates. On closer inspection, we discovered they were two years out of date! Buyer The dodge and the cosworths Bryan Sutherland Around 1983, the transporter was not long out of the garage having been extensively worked on both mechanically and the paintwork renewed inside and out. Showing entrance and generator storage to the rear At the Glamis Extravaganza - some members may have been to this in the past