We have a winner in the longevity stakes! Stanhope Boot & Shoe Manufacturers’ Isuzu FTR 800, affectionately known as “the old one”, has claimed top honours in Isuzu Motors South Africa’s Legends of the Long Run competition after clocking up an impressive 2.27 million kilometres over 22 years of service.

The truck was selected from 23 entries received during the competition, which ran from June to the end of August 2026. Its remarkable mileage and continued service made it a standout example of truck longevity, demonstrating the value of dependable vehicles, diligent maintenance and effective aftersales support.

A long-running relationship

The FTR 800 has spent more than two decades supporting Stanhope’s footwear distribution operations, including long-distance runs between South Africa and Maputsoe in Lesotho.

Although it is now used mainly for shorter trips, the truck remains in service, backed by a longstanding relationship between Stanhope, Isuzu and its dealer network.

Rudy le Roux, Chief Operating Officer of Stanhope Boot & Shoe Manufacturers, said winning the competition was a significant milestone for the company and the team responsible for keeping the truck on the road.

“We are extremely proud and grateful to have won the Legends of the Long Run competition. This will give ‘the old one’ a new lease on life, with the hope of adding at least another million kilometres to the clock. It is also a great endorsement of our drivers and the effort they put into looking after the truck, as well as the long hours they spend behind the wheel. What a privilege this is for us,” said le Roux.

A new lease on life

As the winning entry, the FTR 800 will undergo a refurbishment at Isuzu Motors South Africa’s factory in Gqeberha, starting in November 2026. The project is expected to be completed in February or March 2027, when Stanhope will receive the refurbished truck at a factory handover.

Mpho Nkhumeleni, Department Executive: Commercial Vehicle Sales at Isuzu Motors South Africa, said the competition recognises the customers who put Isuzu trucks to work every day and the role these vehicles play in keeping businesses moving.

“Legends of the Long Run celebrates the customers who put our trucks to work every day and the role these vehicles play in keeping their businesses moving. The Stanhope Boot & Shoe FTR 800 is a remarkable example of what long-term vehicle performance means in a real business environment.

“Covering 2.27 million kilometres over 22 years is a significant achievement, reflecting not only the truck’s longevity but also the commitment of the people who have maintained and operated it,” said Nkhumeleni.

He added: “For us, this competition is about recognising that journey and the partnerships we build with our customers, supported by our dealer network and aftersales service throughout the life of the vehicle.”

A business built to last

Stanhope Boot & Shoe Manufacturers was established in Johannesburg in 1950 and has grown into an established footwear producer supplying major retail groups and customers throughout South Africa, as well as regional markets.

The company relocated to Pinetown in 1970 before moving its entire manufacturing operation to Lesotho in 2004. Over the years, “the old one” has played its part in supporting the business, becoming a familiar and valued member of its transport operation.

Through Legends of the Long Run, Isuzu Motors South Africa celebrates the customers, vehicles and partnerships that embody its commitment to being With You for the Long Run.

Editor’s Comment: Two-point-two-seven million kilometres is quite a story, but the real achievement is what lies behind that number: a truck that has remained productive for 22 years, supported by drivers who care for their equipment and an aftersales relationship that keeps it working. In an industry where vehicle replacement represents a substantial investment, “the old one” is a compelling reminder that longevity remains one of the most valuable measures of truck performance.

Well done Stanhope’s “Old One” – may she shine even brighter!

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