One-of-a-kind World War I vehicle visits the museum
The world’s only surviving Rhodia – an ex-World War I ambulance – has paid a special visit to the Lakeland Motor Museum.
The vehicle, which dates back to 1914, has been restored by Greenodd resident Ken Atkinson in his home workshop in South Cumbria.
As well as being used as a wartime ambulance, this small truck was later used as a taxi, but is now thought to be the only one of its kind left in existence. Originally built using parts from American car manufacturer Empire, it has a 3 speed gearbox and no front brakes.
Mr Atkinson has spent several years working on the Rhodia. He has built the entire bodywork, and rebuilt the wheels, engine and many other items.
The Rhodia paid a whistle-stop visit to the Lakeland Motor Museum as part of a regular gathering of various classic cars from Lakeland Historic Car Club.
Manager of the Lakeland Motor Museum, Chris Lowe, says, “The Lakeland Historic Car Club meet at the Museum on the first Saturday of every month. Everyone is welcome to attend, ranging from owners and enthusiasts to anyone who is keen to see great examples of some classic local cars.”
The next meeting of the Lakeland Historic Car Club is on Saturday 1 April 2017.
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