Old Faithful: The Isuzu that doesn’t quit

We reveal how a humble Isuzu FVR900 became a South African legend – and rolled its way into the history books.

In the demanding world of logistics, where deadlines don’t wait and engines rarely rest, reliability is everything. And somewhere between Gqeberha and Vredenburg, an Isuzu FVR900 has earned its place as one of the greats.

Affectionately called “Old Faithful” by the team at Albany Bakeries, this truck has covered an impressive 1.5 million kilometres and counting, without ever truly stopping. That’s the equivalent of driving around the Earth nearly 40 times – one delivery at a time.

When it first rolled off the assembly line in January 2015, this workhorse was set to become the pride of its fleet. Three times a week, it made the 1,550-km round trip from Gqeberha carrying 900 crates, each packed with 10 loaves. That’s about 19,000 loaves of bread every week – keeping shelves stocked and households supplied across the region.

As newer vehicles joined the line-up, Old Faithful didn’t retire quietly. Instead, it adapted – taking on new routes, filling in when needed, always ready when duty called.

“It’s like a father you can always rely on,” says Albany fleet manager Lawrence Lentz. “This truck was always ready to go. It never complained; it just worked. That’s why we call it Old Faithful.”

That kind of dependability doesn’t need fanfare. It simply shows up, day after day, and gets the job done.

Behind the wheel was a driver who knew every sound and vibration of the engine. Together, man and machine developed an understanding of the road.

“A driver’s connection to the vehicle is vital,” says Lentz. “They hear things no-one else can. They feel when something’s off – and that saves us every time.”

Albany’s success wasn’t based on luck, but on discipline: weekly inspections instead of monthly ones; oil tests done daily; every fuel drop logged, every service recorded. Preventative maintenance wasn’t just policy – it was standard practice, and in that commitment, Old Faithful found its longevity.

Even the most reliable vehicles need support, and that’s where Isuzu’s aftersales service played a key role. Albany’s on-site FOSA Isuzu workshop changed how maintenance was managed: no delays, no red tape – just skilled technicians, genuine parts and quick turnaround times.

“Having an on-site workshop puts us in control,” says an Albany spokesperson. “Isuzu has backed us all the way with goodwill claims, reduced downtime and parts support. That partnership makes a difference.”

For a business where a single breakdown can cost thousands of rand, such support doesn’t just protect budgets – it protects reputation. Every on-time delivery is a reflection of that reliability.

Old Faithful isn’t just durable – it’s efficient too. With a target fuel consumption of around 36 to 39 litres/100km, the truck consistently performs above expectations, proving that reliability and efficiency can go hand in hand.

“The longer it runs without major issues, the more value it brings,” says Lentz. “This truck has given us more than just distance on the odometer – it’s given us pride.”

To Albany’s knowledge, no other truck in South Africa has achieved this mileage while still working daily. The one-million mark was a goal; the 1.5-million milestone, a true achievement. It reached that figure without a single fault.

“This milestone is proof that teamwork, care and consistency pay off,” says Lentz. “When drivers, technicians and suppliers work together, the results speak for themselves.”

As Albany continues to modernise its fleet, Old Faithful remains a reminder of the value of reliability. A truck like this can’t easily be compared with cheaper brands – few can match the quality and endurance of a vehicle that’s still performing strongly after 10 years.

Albany’s preference remains clear: Isuzu will continue to lead its fleet, because when your business depends on keeping shelves filled and families fed, reliability isn’t optional.

Old Faithful stands as a symbol of endurance, trust and partnership – the kind that keeps transport operations moving smoothly across the country.

At the heart of trucking lies one simple truth: every kilometre counts. An Isuzu that’s covered 1.5 million kilometres is proof of long-term reliability and excellent total cost of ownership (TCO). It embodies the “Isuzu with you, for the long run” philosophy. 

When cost per kilometre and TCO define profitability, Isuzu continues to stand out as the brand built to go the distance. From fuel efficiency to durability and uptime, every element is engineered for endurance. This is what happens when reliability is more than a promise – it’s proven performance. Because in trucking, numbers don’t lie, and 1.5 million kilometres tells a story few others can match.