This superbly DAF (Diamonds Are Forever) is recognizable as an owner-operator tractor from a country mile. It speaks for itself that the biggest cab, most powerful engine, and air suspension on all axles were ordered at the dealership, prior to the full exterior and interior makeover.
The 27 tonnes (59,525 lbs) tractor comes with a 6×2/4 drivetrain, a common set-up across the Continent, Great Britain, and Ireland.
Continentals -indeed- on the drive axle and Michelins on the steering pusher axle.
Dreaming of an Aston Martin DB5.
The whole ensemble, a 60 tonnes (132,000 lbs) ecocombi in the form of a B-train/B-double, transporting shipping containers. Obviously, the owner-operator also owns and operates the lead trailer and the semi-trailer.
‘Home, James, and don’t spare the 530 horses!’
I look forward to your posts every week. Truly amazing rigs that we don’t have in the US. When I was young I drove a cabover Mack hauling gasoline. It was a day cab six cylinder five speed and Armstrong steering. A world away from this DAF today. Keep up the good work and more tractors please.
Thanks Daniel. And no worries, still plentful tractors are parked in my virtual garage.
I’m trying to visualize an American trucker with pictures of Jason Bourne or Ethan Hunt plastered on the side of his rig. Would it attact or repel the Lot Lizards at the truck stop?
The Pussy Galore compartment in back is quite impressive, the first time I’ve seen a Euro truck done in 1973 Buick and undoubtedly helps when wanting to exercize Goldfinger. Props to the DB5 wall decor too, quite thorough, push a button and the gun may pop out blazing through a smokescreen.
Bummer though that the Euros are all COE now, this would be even better sporting a large frontal appendage rather than the Ken-doll smooth frontage.
I find myself stirred – but not shaken – admiring this DAF. And I agree with Daniel above that I enjoy seeing these types of rigs that are rarely seen here the US.
The Aston Martin in the sleeper cab was truly unexpected!
But I can’t help myself from wondering whether this owner-operator has any other trucks, and whether they’re similarly themed. Or is one of these enough per fleet?
The owner-operator only has this DAF/B-train. He started his business in 2016.
Thanks!
It’s remarkable to see the old DAF logo on the front. Has it been officially revived or is it simply part of the special paint scheme for this particular vehicle?
That old logo is a true classic, it was revived (or kept alive) by the DAF fanbase. It still can be seen on many new and recent DAFs as an afterthought. Even without the brand name -like on the article’s tractor- you immediately know what it is. Think Mack’s bulldog and Scania’s griffin.
I wonder what these guys would think of Dekotora. The interior reminds me of a lot of custom cars with the red lighting and big speakers. Is the lighting fixed color or changeable like a modern Mini? it’s a very impressive looking truck and the first time I’ve seen knock off spinners on a truck
I am surprised ant the European preference for single drive axles since trucks in the Americas are usually 6×4 with some heavy rigs set up as 8×4 with a lifting axle ahead of the bogie.
One drive axle is absolutely the norm across Europe, a 6×2 drivetrain is even commonplace in Scandinavia. Actually, there’s where the liftable tag axle was invented (pre-sixties, way before air suspension became a thing): lift the rearmost axle to get more traction on the drive axle.
Only ‘super-heavy’-duty and on-/off-road trucks or tractors come with dual -or more- drive axles. Like dump trucks, logging trucks, and heavy-haulage tractor units.
Speaking of super-heavy-duty, below a 49 tonnes DAF CF with a 10×2 drivetrain, so just one drive axle. The center axle is an aftermarket job by Veldhuizen Trucks.
Johannes this is your first article to leave me speechless yet full of questions. Questions that undoubtedly only the owner can answer. That said I shall never frown on ones self expression. Based on just the speakers in the doors I bet this has one helluva hi fi system. Must be a real blast hauling arse down the expressway with the Jame Bond flick of the day rolling.
‘Questions that undoubtedly only the owner can answer’
Well, the owner’s email address is deoudelandetransport@gmail.com
According to https://www.facebook.com/deoudelande/ (where you can see more of his Fond-Of-Bond-DAF).
Thanks Johannes!!!