Hampshire couple Mike and Susie Phillips’s left-hand drive Volvo F89 recently passed its 40th consecutive MOT at Volvo dealership MC Truck & Bus in Southampton, making it one of the last of its type to still be in regular operation in the UK and Europe.

At their Southampton dealership, MC Truck & Bus mechanic Trevor Gale has looked after this particular vehicle from the first day it went on the road over 40 years ago.

Mike said: “MC Truck & Bus, together with the previous Volvo dealership Princes Commercials, has looked after the F89 all its working life and I’m really grateful to all their staff for such a helpful and friendly service every time we visit.

"They certainly know the truck as well as I do!”

Retired haulier Mike, 70, has had the Volvo F89 for more than 18 years now and it is used to transport two of his antique boats to classic boat regattas around Europe.

Originally driven solely by Mike, today the driving responsibilities for the Volvo F89 are shared between Mike and his wife Susie.

Mike and Susie’s Volvo F89, with reg EAA 455S, was first bought by Aerosol Research & development Ltd of Portsmouth in 1977 from the then Volvo dealer, Princess of Southampton, now MC Truck & Bus.

This F89 was one of the last 12 to be built due to the imminent launch of the new F10 and F12 models.

The second owner used the vehicle on bulk tank work throughout Europe whilst the third owner was ECT, owned by Ian Rycroft, who was licensed to move explosives for the British Army, mainly into Eastern Europe.

The fourth owner was John Weaver of Poole, who used it as a yard shunter. Mike used to borrow the vehicle to move his vintage Scammell Explorer and when John was looking to sell it, Mike snapped it up.

“When we get a telephone call from Mike to book the Volvo F89 in for its MOT and there is a general buzz around the site when the truck arrives, as it is part of the Volvo dealerships’ long and successful history.

Mike and Susie’s enthusiasm for the F89 is infectious and we look forward to seeing them as regular visitors again for its MOT work for many more years to come,” said Jim McPhillimey, general manager at MC Truck & Bus.