Heritage Collection vehicle spotlight: Albert

As we’ve begun the new year, many of us will be busy making plans and goals for the next twelve months, but here at Fagan & Whalley, we thought we’d take this time of reflection to celebrate a much-loved icon from the past. This special addition to our fleet not only honours our rich heritage but encourages us to appreciate just how much we’ve grown over the years. Introducing, Albert. 

Albert, a 1953 Albion Chieftain, was welcomed into the Fagan & Whalley family back in 2016 to commemorate the very humble beginnings of our family-led company. Despite never being an original part of our fleet, vehicles such as Albert will have been used during the post-war period of the 1950s to transport textiles and associated materials to and from the Lancashire cotton mills - and therefore represent an important part of our heritage. 

Named after the talented mechanic, Albert Henshaw, who restored this classic vehicle to the excellent condition it can be found in today, Albert is one of the most well-loved members of our F&W Heritage Collection - and has happily settled into his home in the reception area of our Albion House offices, in Padiham. 

However, despite his old age, the vintage Chieftain truck still often finds his way to various truck shows and events up and down the country - where he’s always a hit with truck enthusiasts. In fact, this year, Albert was awarded Third Place in the ‘Best Vintage & Classic Truck’ category at Truckfest North West 2022. He may be getting on - but he’s still got it!

“As our oldest Heritage Collection vehicle, Albert reminds us of how much F&W has grown over the decades - and makes us incredibly proud of the position we are in today,” says Sam Fagan, business strategy director at F&W, “It is remarkable to consider that we’ve gone from having just four vehicles in our fleet in the 1950s to more than 170 today, and we’re exceptionally grateful for our very humble beginnings!” 

“The 1953 Chieftain has had a really transformative impact at Albion House and helps to establish our brand and heritage as soon as you enter the building - which we love. It’s also proven to be a very popular photo-op for our visitors and allows people to get a feel for the culture, history and traditions that hold up who Fagan & Whalley are today.” 

WHAT IS OUR HERITAGE COLLECTION?
The Fagan & Whalley “Heritage Collection” is a valued assortment of restored trucks that represent crucial aspects of our history and culture. Not only do they commemorate key events in the Fagan & Whalley story, but they are increasingly popular with truck enthusiasts and at events, too!

If you’d like further information on any of our Heritage Collection vehicles or would like to hear more about our warehousing, distribution and logistics solutions - please get in touch here!