
Provincial throughout its history has always rebuilt vehicles, due mainly to H Orme-White's prudence. Probably the most radical of these was carried out in 1944.
The vehicle originated in 1932 - being an AEC Mandator with a normal control oil tanker body purchased by Provincial from the Texas Oil Company (Texaco). The chassis, had a low loading body, the frame of which was similar to contemporary passenger models of the time. It was converted from normal to forward control, fitted with an AEC 7.7-litre engine and Regent radiator and also a dropped rear frame. It was then given a Reading H30/26R body, registration number EOR 251 and fleet number 14. It entered service in grey livery and was withdrawn in
1959.
Before :-
No 14 is seen here in Texaco petrol tanker guise.
After :-
A chance photograph of 14 (EOR 251) and
Regent 11 (FHO 603) together in the late 1950s. Note the difference in the size
of the front wheels on each vehicle. Photo: M.A. Sutcliffe
