A unique slice of orange

A 1956 Commer is not a common vehicle, by any stretch, and one of this caliber is even more of a rarity. In fact, we’d even go as far as to say that Mark Nelson’s UK born and bred pick-up truck is ‘one of a kind’.

Having been in his family for over 18 years, Mark’s truck was destined to be his and in years to come will be passed on to his son (now 23). It was done up previously, but for the last five years has had its shiny orange paint job and been fitted out with FUSION audio gear. “I’ve been interested in cars since I grew up with my older brothers and the truck was just a bit different, so I wanted to really make it something special,” enthuses Mark.

While Mark predominantly just enjoys driving the truck for personal use, he has been to about 11 shows for FUSION this year with it and taken part in numerous ‘cruises’. “We take it out at least once a week over the Summer,” says Mark. “And we get the best of both worlds – appearing at the Hot Rod shows and then all the street stuff, where everyone is into the music side of what it can do.”

Because of how unique it is, the truck gets invitations to appear at all sorts of events. It’s been to a few school proms, parties and has even, at one stage, had someone singing live through the sound system.

Containing four 15inch PowerPlant subwoofers, six amps and a total of nearly 20 FUSION PowerPlant speakers, including four in each door, the truck’s audio is all about quality, according to Mark. “We’ve not designed it for just beat bass, but wanted everything to sound amazing. It’s obviously got the bass coming through, but everything in the mix is so clear – that’s what we love about it!”

Indeed, the union between this Commer and FUSION was love at first sight. The truck was invited to star in a big show in Belgium when it was just newly out of the paint shop and still had no sound system; it was at that show that Mark encountered FUSION and he’s never looked back.

Looking forward over the next few months, Mark’s Commer is appearing at a few Christmas events around the UK for FUSION, including one for the local Children in Need charity. Mark’s dream though is to get back to another show in Belgium in 2012 though… that is, after all, where the dream truly began.