Another spectacular Volvo FH16 750 for Harry van Dalen

Harry van Dalen from Kekerdom, Gelderland, recently took delivery of a new Volvo FH16 with 750 hp. Like his previous trucks, this Volvo also has a theme: the paintwork and interior are in the theme of the Bruce Springsteen song 'No Surrender'. With his previous Volvo FH16 with the 'Bon Jovi' theme, Harry won the Most Beautiful Truck election at the Truckstar Festival in Assen in 2017. 

For more than 25 years, Harry van Dalen has been driving construction materials as a self-employed driver in a Volvo tractor with a stone trailer. 

"I used to drive a lot of foreign transport, but in recent years I've been sticking to day trips in the Netherlands and Germany. It's more profitable and nicer for the home front," he explains. 

Harry van Dalen now has three trucks and is in the business with his son (who drives one of the trucks). The new Volvo FH16 is his sixth Volvo truck and again one with the most powerful Volvo engine of 750 hp. "I started with a 420 hp tractor and then drove 520, 610, 700 and 750 hp. The FH16 with 750 hp is a great vehicle. The engine power is used optimally in this heavy work, a little throttle and it's gone," Harry van Dalen says enthusiastically. 

Real show truck

Like the previous trucks, Harry's new Volvo FH16 is a real show truck. The body was provided by Van Kessel Truckstyling and the interior by M&M Truck Design from Ridderkerk. They completely customized the cabin to Harry's wishes. The dashboard was sanded smooth, the top bed was placed above the seats, and a seating area with audio and video wall was installed behind the seats. The entire interior was also upholstered in dark brown leather and cream-colored Alcantara. 

Like last time, the spray painting was done by MW Designs from Schijndel. They incorporated the now recognizable Harry van Dalen lines into their design. And of course, the Bruce Springsteen theme is easily recognizable on the cab. A phrase from the chorus of the song "No retreat, no surrender" is also prominently displayed on the front in the glass. 

"That phrase actually very briefly captures our lifestyle. Never pull back and never give up. With us it is always: shrug and keep going," Harry explains his choice. 

And the reason for investing in such a customized truck? "That's in my blood. I love beautiful things and I think this is worth a lot. My work is my hobby. I enjoy doing it. If you enjoy your work then you're just a happy person. It's actually a kind of passion. You only live once and I think you should do things that make you happy," he explains. 

Yet Van Dalen doesn't drive Volvo just because of the looks. "The FH16 has Volvo Dynamic Steering, cornering lights and an air-suspended front axle; that's a nicer ride and gives me more ground clearance in rough terrain. And in the end, the workshop is at least as important as the car. It is nice to know that there is a good team behind me at Volvo Trucks dealer BAS Truck Center," he concludes. 

Facts Volvo FH16 750 Harry van Dalen

• Type: Volvo FH16 6×2 with double-air trailing axle and air-suspended front axle
• Power: 750 hp
• Volvo Dynamic Steering with Stability Assist: reduces the risk of skidding accidents
• Volvo Dynamic Steering with Lane Keeping Assist: helps keep truck in lane
• Passenger side blind spot camera displayed on the secondary display