Few trucks attract as much attention at a truck show as a well-restored vintage Scania. That is no coincidence. For in the twentieth century, Scania built trucks that were technically far ahead of their time. Moreover, they are visually unmistakable: the rugged grille, the characteristic cabs, and the deep sound of a V8 are details that people still recognize decades later.
What many enthusiasts do not know is that Scania has a particularly strong bond with the Netherlands. As early as 1946, importer Beers introduced the brand to the Dutch market. In the 1960s and 1970s, Scania-Vabis trucks were in operation at dozens of transport companies throughout the country. As a result, these classic trucks are more than just beautiful vehicles to Dutch enthusiasts; they are a piece of Dutch transport history.
In this article, you will read how Scania rose to prominence, which models are the most popular, and what makes a classic Scania so valuable. Also view the current selection of classic trucks at Metropole Sales in Druten.
Scania has existed since 1891. However, the name that classic car enthusiasts recognize most is Scania-Vabis. That brand originated in 1911 from a merger between two Swedish companies: Vabis, a railway carriage manufacturer from Södertälje, and Maskinfabriks-aktiebolaget Scania from Malmö. Vabis had experience with vehicles. Scania had reliable engines. Thus, the merger combined exactly the best of both.
As early as 1902, the first Scania-Vabis truck rolled off the assembly line. In 1905, the company built its own engines. In 1927, the Hesselman engine followed, a unique intermediate variant between petrol and diesel that was technically surprising for its time. After the First World War, Scania-Vabis definitively opted for trucks and buses. Furthermore, the brand left passenger cars behind.
Scania-Vabis made its entry into the Netherlands through importer Beers in 1946. The first imported truck, a Scania-Vabis L22, was sold to Winder Limmen. After that, its popularity grew rapidly.
As a result, Beers decided to focus entirely on the brand. In early 2001, Scania acquired Beers' shares. In 2004, the name Beers disappeared permanently. Nevertheless, that period lives on in the classic car world.
The name Scania refers to Skåne, the southernmost province of Sweden. Furthermore, the griffin head in the logo comes from the coat of arms of that province. Scania still carries that symbol on every vehicle it builds.
Not every Scania model attracts the same amount of attention at a show. Enthusiasts have a clear hierarchy of preferences. This is linked to rarity, appearance, and technical distinctiveness.
For instance, the early Scania-Vabis models from the 1950s and early 1960s are the rarest examples. The L-series from that period features rounded shapes and an archaic appearance that appeals to purists. Roadworthy examples are scarce. As a result, well-documented vehicles command high prices on the international market.
For many enthusiasts, the 1-Series or 2-Series is the starting point. These trucks drove through the Netherlands in large numbers and are therefore recognizable to a wide group. The rugged, rectangular cab shape and the characteristic Scania grille make them unmistakable. Moreover, parts for these series are still reasonably easy to find through specialized clubs and suppliers.
The 3 Series from the 1980s marks a transition. Technically modern for its time, aerodynamically more refined than its predecessors. For many purists, this is just a little too recent to be considered a true classic. Nevertheless, interest in the 3 Series is growing steadily, and prices have risen noticeably in recent years.
Would you like to know which tax benefits apply to a Scania classic car 40 years or older? Then read our article about the truck toll for classic cars for a complete overview of the MRB exemption.
There is one vintage Scania that stands out above all others in the enthusiast's experience. That is the Torpedo. Internally, this version was called the T-cab. Its defining characteristic is the forward-positioned cab above the engine, giving the truck an elongated silhouette. That looks fundamentally different from a standard cab-over-engine configuration.
Scania built the Torpedo in various series. In the 1970s and 1980s, the model acquired a legendary reputation in European long-distance transport. Drivers appreciated the spacious cab, the good driving characteristics, and the unmistakable presence on the highway.
In April 2004, Scania announced it was discontinuing the Torpedo. This marked the end of a European tradition, following DAF and Volvo having already stopped production earlier.
The fact that Scania was the last major European manufacturer to discontinue the Torpedo makes that decision all the more symbolic. For classic car enthusiasts, the Torpedo is therefore not only a beautiful vehicle, but the end of an era. As a result, well-restored Torpedo examples are in demand internationally. They fetch considerable sums at auctions and from specialized dealers.
The appeal of a vintage Scania goes beyond nostalgia. There are three concrete characteristics that make the brand attractive as a collector's item.
Metropole Sales regularly has special classic trucks in its inventory. View the full range of vintage trucks for sale, or also read our article about vintage military vehicles if you are interested in another special classic category.
The Netherlands has a special bond with Scania. This dates back to the early post-war years. Importer Beers was one of the earliest and most loyal Scania partners in all of Europe. As a result, transport companies throughout the country drove Scania-Vabis and Scanias for decades. That memory lives on strongly among a generation of drivers and entrepreneurs who are now classic vehicle enthusiasts themselves.
As a result, an active classic truck scene has emerged in the Netherlands that is strongly focused on Scania. Every year, there are several events where classic Scania trucks feature prominently. Clubs facilitate knowledge sharing and mutual contacts. Consequently, owning a classic Scania in the Netherlands is more enjoyable than in many other countries.
For Metropole Sales in Druten, that Dutch transport history is a direct source of inspiration. Moreover, owner Roy Bolks selects classic trucks that have a story to tell. Scania examples from the Dutch transport past fit perfectly with that.
Metropole Sales specializes in classic vehicles with character. Special trucks can regularly be viewed in the showroom in Druten. Moreover, every classic vehicle is selected by Roy Bolks and fully inspected in our own workshop. This way, you know exactly what you are buying.
Do you have a specific model or year in mind? Or are you curious about what is currently available? Contact us for a viewing by appointment.
View the full range immediately classic trucks at Metropole Sales or contact us via metropole.nl/sales/contact/.
Metropole Sales
Metropole Sales is located in the iconic Metropole building in Druten and specializes in the purchase, sale, and restoration of classic vehicles. Owner Roy Bolks personally selects each vehicle based on character, condition, and documentation. With its own workshop and an international network of enthusiasts, Metropole is one of the most specialized providers of classic trucks in the Netherlands.
A vintage Scania is a classic Scania truck 40 years of age or older. From that age limit onwards, an exemption from motor vehicle tax applies in the Netherlands, provided the vehicle is not used for business purposes. The earliest Scania-Vabis models date from the 1950s. The most sought-after vintage Scania trucks date from the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s.
The most beloved vintage Scania models are the L-series from the early 1960s, the 1-series and 2-series from the 1960s and 1970s, and the Torpedo version across multiple generations. The Torpedo is the most iconic model due to its unique appearance. Rare early Scania-Vabis examples are most sought after by purists and fetch the highest prices.
The price varies significantly by model, year of manufacture, and condition. A drivable 1-Series or 2-Series in reasonable condition typically starts at around five to ten thousand euros. A fully restored Torpedo in roadworthy condition easily fetches between fifteen and forty thousand euros. Rare early Scania-Vabis examples with good documentation fetch even higher amounts internationally.
No, not if the vehicle is 40 years or older based on the date of first admission on the registration certificate and you do not use it for business purposes. That exemption results in significant annual savings. Moreover, classic car insurance is generally more affordable than regular vehicle insurance.
Vintage Scania trucks can be found via advertising platforms, specialized clubs, and authorized dealers. Metropole Sales in Druten regularly has classic trucks in its inventory, including Scania models. Each vehicle is inspected in their own workshop and fully documented.