Even exotic cars drive better with Marquart!

The Leyland DAF T244 was a lorry manufactured for the British military between 1987 and 1996. Following the merger of Leyland and DAF in the 1990s, Leyland DAF also produced this vehicle for civilian customers, many of whom still use the T244 today in a light-duty version as a base for camper vans and expedition vehicles. This vehicle is particularly well-suited to such uses, as it features four-wheel drive, a ladder frame and generous ground clearance. In Germany, the 7.49-tonne T244 can even be driven with a standard car driving licence.

Whilst this truck is a rare sight in continental Europe, the Leyland DAF has a large following in the UK. What makes this base vehicle special is that luxury features and electronic driving aids didn’t exist back then, certainly not in military vehicles. The vehicle is, by design, free of electronic gadgets – there’s nothing to read out. Pure mechanics.

Chris Thomson (pictured), from near Bridgnorth, Shropshire (UK), recently took his T244 to Marquart Germany’s workshop to optimise its handling.

Chris, why did you choose a Leyland DAF as your base vehicle?

“We chose the Leyland DAF T244 because of its simplicity and reliability. It is a fully mechanical truck with very few electronic systems, which makes it ideal for long-distance overland travel. There’s a saying among owners that all you need is a few spanners and a hammer to keep it running. The permanent 4×4 system, differential locks, and high/low range gearbox also make it extremely capable off-road. For us, it made sense to travel in a vehicle that can be repaired by a mechanic almost anywhere in the world rather than relying on specialist electronic diagnostics.”

What did you find fault with regarding the handling of your T244?

“The original suspension was designed for military use rather than comfort. On modern roads, the ride could feel harsh and unsettled, particularly on uneven surfaces. There was also noticeable body movement when carrying the weight of our expedition build, which affected comfort and confidence during long journeys.”

What do you think of the chassis update with Marquart shock absorbers?

“The difference has been outstanding. The truck feels far more stable, comfortable, and controlled, both on the road and when fully loaded. Body movement has been significantly reduced, and it now handles modern roads with much greater confidence. After more than 1,000 miles since the upgrade, we continue to be impressed by the transformation. It has genuinely exceeded our expectations.”

Chris, thank you very much and have a safe journey.

For rare vehicles where data is unclear or non-existent, we remove the shock absorber and measure it. Thanks to our extensive product range, we even have various tuning levels in stock. The vehicle owner can then – as in the case of this Leyland DAF T244 – choose the perfect setup for them. This enables us to find a suitable setup for almost any installation situation. Even exotic cars drive better with Marquart!