For Roberto, the cab of a lorry was never just a workplace. It was his playroom, his retreat, the place where he imagined his future. “As a child, the cab of my father’s lorry was my favourite playground,” says the Croatian from the small town of Virovitica. “I’ve always imagined myself driving this big vehicle on wheels.” Today, many years later, he has made that dream come true.
How Roberto Minauf is continuing his family’s story with his MAN Lion
He grew up in the cab. Today, Roberto Minauf drives a MAN F2000 that tells his family’s story. With lightning bolt symbols that his father invented 25 years ago.
Three generations, one profession
The Minauf family’s history in the transport industry began in 1981. Roberto’s grandfather laid the foundations back then for what is now the oldest transport company in Virovitica. “This year we are celebrating our 45th anniversary,” says Roberto. Three generations who have spent their lives on the road. Three generations of MAN. The list of vehicles that have passed through the family’s hands reads like a chapter in the history of commercial vehicles: MAN 361, 362, 372, 422, 463, 464, and later the TGA series. Roberto knows them all. But one of these models holds a special place – not because of its technical specifications, but because of a small drawing.
The Birth of the Lightning Bolts
Twenty-five years ago, Roberto’s father stood in front of his lorry. He was holding a felt-tip pen. What happened next became a family tradition. “My father drew lightning bolts on the cab with a felt-tip pen,” recalls Roberto. “Once the design was finished, he painted them on, and that’s how the tradition began in our company of every lorry bearing lightning bolt symbols.” What began as a spontaneous idea became a distinguishing feature. A symbol of continuity in an industry that is constantly changing.
A truck for a dream, not for work
Roberto’s current truck, MAN 19.414 (1999), isn’t used for the haulage business. This F2000 has a different purpose. “It’s used exclusively for truck shows and for our own enjoyment,” explains Roberto. He had actually wanted to restore an older 422 or 463, but these models were hard to come by in his region. The F2000 became the best alternative – and the perfect vehicle for a special vision.
“The aim of the project was to build a truck that fulfilled our childhood dream, not to impress others,” says Roberto. He is surprised himself that the vehicle still attracts attention. “People come up to me, ask questions, take photos and say hello when they see us on the street.”
When Roberto talks about classic trucks, you can really feel his passion. “For us, old trucks are a symbol of pride and tradition in the transport industry,” he says. “Each one has its own soul and carries the spirit of times gone by. When you approach an old lorry, you can feel its soul; you get the sense that it’s alive.”
Even at the age of four, I knew I wanted to do this job. And I’ve made that dream come true. “
First prize
At the Truck Show in Novi Vinodolski, Croatia’s biggest truck meet, Roberto entered his F2000 in the ‘Old School’ category. The result: first place. “I’m particularly proud of this because the competition was very strong,” he says. “It’s my first prize ever, so it means a lot to me.”
When asked what makes driving so special for him, Roberto doesn’t have to think twice. “Even at the age of four, I knew I wanted to do this job. And I’ve made that dream come true.”
What he hopes for the future reveals a lot about the man behind the wheel: “One day, when I’m old, I’d like to go into the garage, look at him, laugh and be able to say that everything we’ve experienced together was worth it.”
The boy played in the cab, has arrived.
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