Beautifully restored NG 1626

A dream since childhood.

Richard’s passion for classic trucks began at an early age; his father would regularly take him out on trips in his work truck, an NG 1626. Impressed by the vehicle, years later he decided to purchase the same model himself.

He searched for more than 10 years, until at last he discovered one - a former recovery truck - on auction in 2015. On this occasion, Richard was unsuccessful in obtaining the truck and it was sold to another bidder. However, a year later his luck changed; the very same model was up for sale again, this time without the recovery body included. Richard purchased the NG 1626 chassis cab in October 2016 and a few months later began the ambitious restoration work.

The team set to work.

The truck required a lot of work. Luckily, Richard has access to his own yard and workshop through his groundworks business, Rich Developments (UK) Ltd. He enlisted the help of a number of individuals including his father Peter, workshop employee Dodger and friends Rob Dunn, Ray Pearce and Clive Evers. Mark Chapman from Mercedes-Benz Trucks Dealer Midland Truck and Van also helped extensively with the project.

Initially, the team discovered water in the oil sump, so decided to strip the engine and rebuild it with new liners, seals, crankshaft, big end bearings and main shells plus valve stem seals, a new clutch plate and an oil cooler.

A complete makeover.

Next, the team tackled the cab. The vehicle was over 40 years old and had been left stationary outside for a number of years. As a result, the cab was in a dire state. Richard decided to purchase two spare cabs which would be broken down and used on the NG 1626.

This proved to be the most gruelling part of the project with months of welding and fabrication undertaken.

The chassis also needed work – it had to be shortened due to being stretched to a wrecker many years before. Every shackle pin and bush, pipe and seal, air valve and spring had to be replaced along with the splitter valve on the gearbox. “The list was endless” explains Richard. The work was eventually completed in June 2019. “It was sent for an MOT and passed with flying colours.”

Only vivid turquoise green will do.

Some OE parts proved difficult to obtain, due to the fact most of these truck models had been exported in the 1980s. However, Mark was able to source many parts from Germany, Cyprus, France and Belgium.

This proved incredibly beneficial and Richard was grateful for all of Mark’s efforts, as it allowed him to finish his dream project.

Finally, he painted the vehicle himself, a vivid turquoise green.

- Richard Thomas

Richard has his sights set on another vehicle.

We asked Richard what the most enjoyable part of the process has been, “Putting it back together!” he said. “I absolutely love driving it, the best thing is the sound of the engine – it’s an OM 402.”

Richard has already starting thinking about his next restoration venture, “I would like to work on another Mercedes-Benz truck – they’re extremely well-built and fairly easy to work on. I’d love to purchase a 1625 or 1632.”

He plans to showcase the stunning classic truck at various shows this year, including the Llandudno Transport Festival, Kelsall Classic and Steam Show and the Retro Truck Show in Gaydon – pop along and you could check out this awesome vehicle for yourself!

Have you restored a vintage truck?

Or do you drive one? We’d love to see a photo of it and hear about its history. Get in touch either via private message or through the comment section below.