Page 14 - issue-78

DAF 3300 vs New XF
THE ENGINE GROWLED AS IT RESPONDED TO MY HEAVY RIGHT FOOT
And new models were added too; the 2900 and 3200, a few of which found their way to the UK.
And it’s here where this truck enters the fray. Built in 1990, it is an export-only model most likely for Singapore or Thailand. It has little in common with the UK-spec 3300 of its heyday: a hub reduction drive axle with over-drive 16-speed transmission instead
of single-reduction direct-top gearbox; air-conditioning; a xed driver’s seat; and electric-powered driver’s window only.
But for whatever reason, this truck never made it out to the Far East. It was rst- registered in 1993 for the Irish Army (Ireland was deemed an export market for DAF) and
in 22 years of active service, it clocked just 58,500 miles. On demob, the 3300 ATi was acquired by dealer group Lothian DAF who spent 18 months restoring it to its former glory.
Peter Symons was product marketing manager for DAF and Leyland DAF from
1984 to 1990. “Alongside a rst-rate dealer network, the 2800, 3300 and 3600 were the bedrock of DAF’s heavy truck success - and image - here in the UK,” he says. “Operators loved the range for its simplicity, reliability and economy, and it was a hard act for the 95 to follow!”
Today the 3300 ATi enjoys iconic status as a retro-classic truck beloved by those who can now afford to restore it and relive their youth. And yes, this drive was eagerly anticipated. I last drove one in anger in the mid-1990s for
a long-gone marquee hire company. Much of what I’d experienced returned in ashbacks; the narrow windscreen, an offset 16-speed transmission, convex mirrors with a built-in blind spot thanks to the very wide corner post, and the exhaust brake button on the oor. Needless to say, I loved it.
The journey
Using a tandem axle trailer with a ve-tonne
weight through the kingpin, the engine growled as it responded to my heavy right foot when setting off. The early changes were tentative because the amount of play in the gear selection meant I wasn’t sure I
had the right gear, and I didn’t want to damage this recently restored truck.
Starting in 2L, up into 4L, then slap across from low range to high range, letting the gearstick nd its resting point and then up into 5L. It took a while to get up to, and trundle along at, 30mph before gaining enough con dence to open it up, just a little. Down to 6L then up into 7L, from where split changes were introduced going up to 8H.
I cannot remember the last time I used a splitter let alone wrote sentences about it. I loved it.
Suddenly block changes were introduced as we slowed, then we con dently accelerated up to 40mph, the speed limit for trucks on two-way A-roads in Scotland, in
14 CVDriver September 2018