Le Mans Popemobile saved for the nation by The Brethren

[Lord Pig-Pen]

Oh and finally... Private Tray Boy is alive and well in Royal Tunbridge Wells.
I think he will make an excellent Pope and can picture him sat on the roof in his underpants surveying his Vatican.
This is subject to team approval obviously... but he will get my vote!

[Gordonwr]

The trip wouldn't be the same without it at LM, and it sounds like the same engine that I used to strip down after I served my army apprenticeship all those years ago !!

[mgmark]

I do hope this spurs Mr Z into similar action - the combination of this and the Commer together at Le Mans should be beyond compare...

MG Mark

Regrettably, I fear not Mark.....Frankly I can't see them getting along too well. 

Andy,

I am, of course, torn between these two, both sturdy and steadfast icons of UK industry and achievement, as they are in their own endearing ways.  The Bedford would provide an outstanding opportunity to indulge in some gratuitous firing of Verey and Schermuley flares from the old mobile control tower into the surrounding plebiscite of BN in the best "damn the torpedoes and repel boarders" traditions.  Quite fitting, given the likely additions to the Bedford of The Brethren's usual battle adornments of the Merchant Navy and RAF Ensigns and the White Star pennant, accompanied by stirring accoutrements of film and musical accompaniment.  Such a platform would not, of course, befit the Commer's superior social status, which would emulate that of a suitably refined detachment status, mobile Officers Mess to retreat to afterwards.  

And, yes, I had considered the socio-economic groupings, concluding that the Commer would, indeed, be the most appropriate flagship to represent the B and C1 professional grades (or whatever they are called these days) rather than other grades of a more "manual" nature.  I had made allowance for this in my comment on the now (apparently) erroneous assumption that the mighty Commer (and her custodian) would rise above the situation, and neatly complement the comparatively rudimentary nature of the Bedford and provide a suitable cross-sectional representation of such vehicles, with a "bugger that, I'm not letting the side down" clarion call.  

But seemingly not, and the base, easy attractions of - of all things - a Mercedes Sprinter appear to be too tempting.  A shame, as the legend already appears to have descended to gutter press sniping level before any engagement on the field of conflict, and the battle honour of "BN 2009" assigned to one of them, other than by default of non-appearance, would have a certain cachet and ring to it.......

MG Mark

[PrincessAlex]

do u think someone could be behind that glass bit on top? like two bikini dressed grls? ;P

[mgmark]

do u think someone could be behind that glass bit on top? like two bikini dressed grls? ;P

What, as a variety of "entertainment for the troops" of for protection from same...??

MG Mark

[Leftie]

I do hope this spurs Mr Z into similar action - the combination of this and the Commer together at Le Mans should be beyond compare...

MG Mark

Regrettably, I fear not Mark.....Frankly I can't see them getting along too well. 

Andy,

I am, of course, torn between these two, both sturdy and steadfast icons of UK industry and achievement, as they are in their own endearing ways.  The Bedford would provide an outstanding opportunity to indulge in some gratuitous firing of Verey and Schermuley flares from the old mobile control tower into the surrounding plebiscite of BN in the best "damn the torpedoes and repel boarders" traditions.  Quite fitting, given the likely additions to the Bedford of The Brethren's usual battle adornments of the Merchant Navy and RAF Ensigns and the White Star pennant, accompanied by stirring accoutrements of film and musical accompaniment.  Such a platform would not, of course, befit the Commer's superior social status, which would emulate that of a suitably refined detachment status, mobile Officers Mess to retreat to afterwards.  

And, yes, I had considered the socio-economic groupings, concluding that the Commer would, indeed, be the most appropriate flagship to represent the B and C1 professional grades (or whatever they are called these days) rather than other grades of a more "manual" nature.  I had made allowance for this in my comment on the now (apparently) erroneous assumption that the mighty Commer (and her custodian) would rise above the situation, and neatly complement the comparatively rudimentary nature of the Bedford and provide a suitable cross-sectional representation of such vehicles, with a "bugger that, I'm not letting the side down" clarion call.  

But seemingly not, and the base, easy attractions of - of all things - a Mercedes Sprinter appear to be too tempting.  A shame, as the legend already appears to have descended to gutter press sniping level before any engagement on the field of conflict, and the battle honour of "BN 2009" assigned to one of them, other than by default of non-appearance, would have a certain cachet and ring to it.......

MG Mark

After 3 1/2 yrs in Naval school I never signed up. Although in October I did do a Ceremonial March Past in Hamble.

I agree with everything you said.

Leftie Snr (Vernon) worked in these 'Popemobiles' and developed the 'BABS' and REBECCA landing systems.

[badgered1]

That is great news! I took a good look at it when I was at the 2004 Lemans and read the poster board they had on display. I look forward to seeing the refurbishment.

Chris

[Lord Pig-Pen]

do u think someone could be behind that glass bit on top? like two bikini dressed grls? ;P

I dont see any problem with that!!

[mike(liverpool boys)]

Well done on a fine purchase of a piece of Le Mans history LPP and Co. My only experience of the popemobile is a quick wander round it on my 1st visit to LM 3 years ago so im looking forward to seeing her in full glory on a sunny BN this year.

Mike

[Lord Pig-Pen]

Well done on a fine purchase of a piece of Le Mans history LPP and Co. My only experience of the popemobile is a quick wander round it on my 1st visit to LM 3 years ago so im looking forward to seeing her in full glory on a sunny BN this year.

Mike

I'm not too sure that she will be making the trip this June due to the work that needs doing to bring her up to our required standards. We shall see!!

[garyfrogeye]

do u think someone could be behind that glass bit on top? like two bikini dressed grls? ;P

Should she be present this year, to save any embaressment and to quell the ardour of the troops, I will make the supreme sacrifice by offering myself up as a human shield by standing in front of the window, therefore obscuring the sight and preserving these fine lady's modesty.
Naturally I will be looking inwards so as not to be frightened by the marauding masses but also to make sure that I have both the front and rear within full view at all times.
No need to thank me.

[Steve Pyro]

Thanks for making the ultimate sacrifice Gary.

[Bob U]

Well done on a fine purchase of a piece of Le Mans history LPP and Co. My only experience of the popemobile is a quick wander round it on my 1st visit to LM 3 years ago so im looking forward to seeing her in full glory on a sunny BN this year.

Mike

I'm not too sure that she will be making the trip this June due to the work that needs doing to bring her up to our required standards. We shall see!!

The Brethren bash in August would be the perfect lauch date for the new Popemobile if she can't make Le Mans this year. Any outstanding work could be completed then as I'm sure there will be plenty of willing volenteers at hand.

BTW. Will she still be known as "The Popemobile" after the refurbishment or is there to be a renaming ceremony?

[Trayboy]

I think we should call it the Traboy-Mobile

[Trayboy]

it's a very fine place to throw up in - marvelous!

Trayboy for Pope!