VIDEO: Motors & Me: Billy Kiely - Dennison cattle truck

Meet Billy Kiely and his Dennison long wheelbase cattle truck.

What are you currently driving?

It’s a Dennison long wheelbase cattle truck. It was manufactured in Rathcoole, Co. Dublin by Dennison’s who built 250 trucks between 1979 and 1981. They were Ireland’s first and only truck manufacturer and this is one of 10 designed for cattle haulage.

I found it in 2011 and brought it to Charleville show, as found, in a scrap condition. People said I should have continued to the scrapyard but this gave me the determination to rebuild it. I brought it back to this year’s show finished. Dennison’s stopped truck manufacturing in 1981 but now have a very successful trailer manufacturing business in Naas, Co. Kildare. This truck was purchased new by Murtagh’s of Athboy, Co. Meath in late 1979.

Love at first sight, or just a means to get from A to B?

Having a deep passion for trucks and coming from a family steeped in trucks and haulage, I was determined to save this rare Irish-built truck. You would need a love for it because it was a very challenging project. I was thankful for the help from friends far and near and especially my 86-year-old father who helped in restoring it.

What’s under the bonnet?

It has a Rolls Royce Eagle diesel 265hp engine with a Fuller 9-speed gearbox and Eaton back axle.

Petrol head or Sunday driver?

Definitely a petrol or should it be diesel head. I attend a lot of shows and road runs and am currently chairman of Charleville and District Classic and Vintage club, on the committee of Charleville Show vintage section and also a member of VVTA who are lobbying for an update to the current legislation on vintage vehicle testing.

What was your first car?

A Mk 2 Ford Cortina (1,300cc) followed by MK1 Escort and a couple of Peugeot 305 vans and Volkswagen Bora. I currently drive a Nissan Pulsar 1.5 diesel.

What else did you/do you own?

I have restored 1947 Bedford M type 6-cylinder petrol truck, a 1971 Bedford TK, a 1974 Guy Big J with an AEC engine and a 1982 Scania 82M purchased new by my father and the first truck I legally drove when I passed my test. I have also a Morris Minor which I am currently restoring. I’ve had that for nearly 20 years.

Dream drive in dream location?

To drive a road train long distance in Australia.

Passenger you’d most like on a long journey?

It would have to be my wife Martina or my father.

Passenger you’d least like?

Someone who bores easily or has no interest in trucks.

What’s on your playlist?

The sound of the Rolls diesel engine or a good Scania V8. Music wise anything country and anything from 70s and 80s.