A Throwback to Iron Man: Scania V8 R520 with PK65

We’re rolling back to 2016, when Mark Smithson Transport unveiled one of the most striking and powerful additions to their fleet: the Scania R520 V8 Highline Sleeper. With its bold red-and-gold livery, this head-turning truck instantly drew comparisons to a certain Marvel superhero, quickly earning the nickname “The Iron Man Truck” among our team and customers alike.

It’s easy to see why. That year, Captain America: Civil War had just hit cinemas, with Iron Man battling it out against Cap in one of the MCU’s biggest clashes yet. While Tony Stark was suiting up on screen, this Scania was suiting up for real-world heavy haulage. And just like Stark’s armour, it was built for strength, resilience, and a little bit of showmanship.

But this Scania wasn’t just about style. Underneath that superhero-inspired paintwork was the beating heart of a Scania V8 engine, the powerhouse of heavy haulage. The R520 V8 has long been celebrated for its balance of brute strength, reliability, and efficiency, and this build showcased exactly why it continues to be one of the most iconic engines in the industry. With the V8 under the hood, this artic was built to take on demanding jobs across the UK and Europe with ease.

Of course, a truck like this is more than just a cab and an engine. This build was fitted with a Palfinger PK 62002-EH crane and paired with a demountable short body mounted on a 5th wheel, creating a versatile, multi-purpose setup that could adapt to a wide range of loads. At the time, the trend of fitting short bodies to 5th wheels was becoming increasingly popular with operators and for good reason. It allowed fleets to maximise payload, boost operational efficiency, and switch between tasks quickly without sacrificing strength or stability. The Iron Man Truck was a perfect example of this innovation in action.

For Mark Smithson Transport, based in West Yorkshire, this wasn’t just an eye-catching fleet addition. It was a practical, hardworking asset designed to deliver crane-assisted haulage across the UK and Europe. 

If you’re looking for your own powerhouse, now’s the time. Whether it’s a Scania V8 or another heavy-duty crane artic, MV Commercial can help design, build, and deliver a truck that matches your fleet’s needs and makes an impact wherever it goes. Get in touch today and let’s build something extraordinary together.