Welbourns of Wisbech
When Welbourns of Wisbech added a 40-year-old ISOLI recovery truck to their fleet this year, they weren't just buying a vehicle; they were inheriting a piece of recovery history. Already in exceptional condition, and originally purchased from respected industry name Dave Cosby, this heritage unit has quickly become one of the most talked-about machines in their yard. Despite its age, the truck remains fully operational, structurally sound, and capable of daily recovery work, a rare achievement in an industry where machinery faces relentless stress and unpredictable environments.
Welbourns have owned the truck for just 2–3 months, but its story stretches far beyond their workshop doors. Purchased from Dave Cosby, the vehicle required only straightforward engine work before entering service. The team were particularly drawn to its 6×6 all-terrain capability, ideal for farm recoveries and rural callouts, describing it as "compact, versatile, and easier to use than many modern rotators with similar capability." Once the engine work was complete, all they needed to do was rebrand the truck and repaint the cab in their signature British Leyland/Pageant Blue.
What stands out most about this truck is the level of engineering ISOLI delivered nearly half a century ago. From the thick steel to the sturdy supports, everything about the unit reflects a philosophy of building machines that survive, not simply perform. The original crane/boom remains fully functional today, now fitted with a recovery hook, and the belly winch works without issue. "It's properly engineered." The military-spec design is still evident in the welds, the beams, and the way the truck handles load stress. Routine servicing and greasing are all that's needed: "That's how you look after them for longevity."
This ISOLI does not sit in a corner gathering dust. It continues to work whenever needed: sometimes twice a week, sometimes once a month, but always ready. Its workload ranges from winching tractors out of ditches to upright rollovers and heavy rural recoveries, and it has had no mechanical failures since joining the fleet. One memorable job involved rescuing a lorry that had become stuck deep in a dyke: "The machine just did the job. No drama, the lorry was back on its wheels in no time."
When asked why this truck has lasted so long, the answer was simple: "Good owners, and built to last." While the team traditionally gravitates toward American kits, this experience has reshaped their view: "After seeing how long this ISOLI has lasted, we can't knock it. It's a nice bit of kit." In fact, they've already requested a quote for a new slide-bed ISOLI unit. Their philosophy is simple: "Cheap isn't always good, and good isn't always cheap."
Even the public reacts with disbelief when told the truck is 40+ years old, "WOW" is the most common response. Operators, many of whom prefer old-school machinery, enjoy working with it and recognise its craftsmanship immediately. When asked what makes this ISOLI special, the crew summed it up perfectly: "It's unique, and it's ours. It might end up in a museum someday." And their message to other operators considering ISOLI? "Great build quality. If all their trucks last as long as this one, they're highly recommended."