Family Passion!

With this new feature, Alexis introduces us to the portrait of a family of enthusiasts. Cyril, his wife Stéphanie, and their daughter Mélanie present a slightly crazy project. From the father’s childhood dream, our three companions immerse us in the world of beautiful machines and, above all, beautiful stories. A closer look at a 143 that certainly doesn’t go unnoticed!

Based in Montélimar, Cyril Guigon fell into the world of transport long before taking the wheel himself. “My grandfather and my father were both truck drivers. They always took me with them in the trucks from a very young age.” A family passion that has never left him. After obtaining his heavy goods vehicle licences during his military service, between the ages of 18 and 19, he began his career in parcel distribution with Mazet before joining Transports Mercier in Malataverne.

At the same time, he obtained a heavy vehicle mechanics certificate as well as his transport manager qualification at the AFT-IFTIM training centre in Valence. In 2004, he reached a new milestone by creating his own company specialising in timber transport and public works. At its peak, the company employed up to six drivers operating regular routes to Italy. Cyril himself drove a timber truck and trailer combination with a customised Scania 620 V8, a symbol of his passion for beautiful machinery. “Even when you’re tired in the morning, as soon as you start a truck, it gives you your energy back. Especially a V8.”

Between 2007 and 2014, Cyril also competed in truck racing, first behind the wheel of a Renault Premium and later with a MAN during his final season. An experience that strengthened his attachment to the world of heavy trucks even further. Even when his business evolved after the Covid crisis, refocusing on public works, the passion remained intact. A passion that has followed him throughout his life and now finds its ultimate expression in an extraordinary project: the complete restoration of a Scania 143 Streamline.

Before this 143, Cyril owned several Scania trucks, including a magnificent customised Series 4 Topline 164 producing 480 hp. Yet only one model continued to make him dream. “When the 143 Streamline came out, I was 16 years old. I looked at it like a kid. I’ve always loved old vehicles.”

His passion for classic machinery is not limited to trucks. A fan of vintage motorcycles, a collector of mopeds and the owner of a fully restored Peugeot 205 Rallye, Cyril has a genuine attachment to automotive heritage. In 2020, the opportunity finally arrived. He bought a Scania 143 Streamline that had been abandoned for years. “It was sitting in the brambles. Certainly not in the condition it’s in today.”

The restoration of the 143 was anything but a smooth journey. Like many projects of this scale, it was marked by moments of doubt. “I used to walk around the truck without knowing whether I was going to carry on.”

That was when something rather strange happened. On several occasions, while cutting parts or working on the truck’s structure, two-euro coins mysteriously fell out of the cab. “Every time I felt like giving up, the 143 gave me coins. Today, I have about eight euros in a box on my workbench.”

For Cyril, the message was obvious. “I’ve always had the feeling it was telling me: keep going, don’t give up.” Another proof of the unwavering support of his family came on August 15th. While the couple were supposed to leave on holiday, his wife made an unexpected decision. “She told me: we’re not going on holiday this year, I want you to make a big push on the 143 and move the project forward.” A gesture that perfectly sums up the family’s commitment behind this project.

The truck’s identity is based on a resolutely old-school style, faithful to the spirit of the 1990s while benefiting from a modern and meticulous restoration.

The project involved several well-known specialists.

The interior, which was completely destroyed when the truck was purchased, was entrusted to Valentin and Amandine from Atelier Garcia in Gap. On the outside, the rear portrait artwork was created by Thierry Gremillet in Valence, while the entire cab, fairings and bodywork paintwork was entrusted to Adrien from Vince’s Bodyshop in the Tarn region. The preparation of several bodywork components was carried out by Garrel Transport Équipement in the Isère department.

However, a large part of the work also bears Cyril’s own signature. Chassis painting, engine refurbishment, treatment of the underside of the cab, oven-baked red rocker covers, adaptation of a Series 4 rear crossmember, complete mechanical overhaul… Hundreds of hours were devoted to bringing the truck back to exceptional condition. Even the local Scania dealer took part in the adventure.

“The truck stayed at Scania Montélimar for three weeks for certain mechanical operations. They’re friends of mine and they helped me enormously.”

Today, the 143 features a completely redesigned interior. Full upholstery, a flat floor, a custom-made bunk, ambient lighting and two black bucket seats imported from Germany create a truly unique atmosphere. Although, as Cyril humorously points out, those seats are not entirely popular at home. “My wife doesn’t really like them, so I might look for two Series 4 seats.”

The truck also features a discreet audio system installed by Atelier Garcia. Among all the details found on the vehicle, one element is particularly close to its owner’s heart: the name of the project.

This inscription appears engraved into the bunk and illuminated in red, while also being stencil-painted on the lower sections of the doors. A tribute to the truck’s history and its rebirth.

For Cyril, a customised truck is not just a personal passion. It is also a way of representing his profession and his company. “Just because a truck is old doesn’t mean it can’t be beautiful. What matters is that it’s clean and well maintained.” According to him, customisation helps promote a positive image of the road transport industry and inspires younger generations. “It makes young people want to become truck drivers.”

Whether on construction sites, at customers’ premises or during truck shows, the reactions are unanimous. Everyone is impressed by the truck’s condition. Although it sometimes comes with one small drawback. “The problem is that everyone puts their hands all over it, and then I end up with fingerprints everywhere!” he laughs.

Despite the enormous amount of work already completed, the project is not yet entirely finished. A CB antenna, a rear spotlight to highlight the portrait, and a refrigerator in the storage compartment are still on the list of planned upgrades. As for events, the Scania 143 is expected to appear this season at Nogaro, Chamrousse and probably Albi. Cyril is also hoping to secure a place at the Le Mans Truck Grand Prix.

But his ultimate dream lies elsewhere. “I’d love to go to Holland with all my friends who own a 143.” A symbolic destination for a truck that has become much more than just a vehicle: a rolling testament to a passion passed down from generation to generation, and proof that, with enough determination, even forgotten legends can return to the road.

Text and photos: AP Trade Vision