Vive le Clunker 🟦⬜🟥

This story begins with Andy Myers BFP FCA, the driver of Ford Ranger “Wildy Coyote”, which he and his crew from ABMV Chartered Accountants delivered to Ukraine last year. Andy introduced me to Chris, the owner of C&C Motorcycles (https://www.candcmc.co.uk/) workshop near Yalding. Chris isn’t your average mechanic—he’s an ex-Royal Air Force engineer with a passion for history, often taking his vintage truck to historical shows. That truck? A Renault TRM 4000, also known as the Saviem SM 8.

The Renault TRM 4000 is no ordinary vehicle. Designed in the 1970s as a workhorse for the French army, it served across various military branches. But its pedigree doesn’t stop there—it also proved its mettle in motorsport, competing in the early Paris-Dakar races from 1979 to 1981, finishing in impressive 5th and 6th place. However, since the pandemic, the truck has been gathering dust, unused and forgotten.

Chris, with remarkable generosity, agreed to donate the truck to a worthy cause. Though in decent shape for its age, years of inactivity had taken their toll, and it needed some serious TLC before it could hit the road again. That’s when Paul O'Brien, the owner of the Iron Curtain Museum and a man of many talents, came into the picture. Paul’s museum is home to a remarkable collection of military vehicles, maintained for both display and film productions. He not only offered to restore the Renault to its former glory but also volunteered to drive it to Ukraine—a mission of incredible significance.

Getting the truck roadworthy was one challenge, but the real test came during the journey itself. We hadn’t fully anticipated the complexities of navigating border controls and customs with a half-military HGV loaded with batteries and other critical supplies. The logistical headaches were real, but Paul, ever the determined optimist, pressed on. Against the odds, he managed to safely deliver the truck into Ukraine at the eleventh hour.

Once in Ukraine, my team took over. We handed the keys and documents to their new owners—a special forces squad of the AFU. Far from just the rifles, they’re equipped with an array of hardware and rely on mobility to carry out their operations. Thanks to Chris’s generosity, Paul’s commitment, Natalia's patience, and a dash of resilience, the Renault TRM 4000 found its new purpose on the front lines.

Thank you, Andy Myers BFP FCA, Chris, Paul O'Brien and Natalia Dymytriieva, for making this possible! Happy to help you Alifonsky Roman

I also want to thank everyone who helps Ukraine, well done you guys!

Henry Yates, Fred Destin, Seed Run, and many others.