We may have only opened the doors of Overdrive Motors in March 2023, but we’ve wasted no time making our mark. Despite being the new kids on the block, we’ve already been part of some truly phenomenal projects. From breathing new life into vehicles that were destined for the scrapyard to restoring jaw-dropping classics, we’ve seen it all. Whether it’s a Back to the Future DeLorean, a vintage Jaguar, or even an old ambulance, we’ve rolled up our sleeves and absolutely loved every second of it.
But our work doesn’t stop at restorations. We’ve also been invited to take part in some incredible builds and collaborative projects, and today, we’re thrilled to finally share one we’re particularly proud of. Overdrive Motors had the privilege of working alongside a pair of fantastic customers supporting Ukraine’s war efforts through the remarkable charity, Pick Ups for Peace.
Pick Ups for Peace was founded by a group of Scottish farmers with agribusinesses in Poland and Ukraine, united by a shared determination to support Ukraine following the 2022 invasion. Their efforts began with an initial convoy of 22 trucks in March 2023, with plans for an additional 20 vehicles soon after. Their ambitious goal was to deliver 100 vehicles stashed full of supplies by mid-2023. To date, they have far surpassed that target, sending an incredible 525 vehicles to support the war effort. This achievement is a testament not only to their dedication but also to the amazing support they’ve received from people across the UK. These supporters come from all walks of life—farming, property, and even students—proving that collective effort can lead to extraordinary results.
So how did we get involved in this project? Well, back in August, we were approached by one of our customers, Jeremy, with an extraordinary request: to prepare a Mitsubishi L200 for a nearly 2,000-mile journey to Odesa, Ukraine. Jeremy explained that earlier in the year, he had undertaken a similar trip to Lviv, but a mechanical failure in Germany had complicated his efforts. Determined to avoid a repeat of that experience, he wanted to ensure that this time, the vehicle would be in perfect working order.
As well as sponsoring a Ukrainian family in their evacuation to the UK, Jeremy shared his incredible story of working in his spare time with a charity called Pick Ups for Peace. The process is as inspiring as it is complex: vehicles from across the UK are driven across Europe, where they are handed over to be used where they’re needed most—whether supporting special forces, tank regiments, or local communities in need. It was clear from the outset that this was a project we wanted to get behind.
Our approach to Jeremy’s project was to carry out what we call a PDI or PCI—a Pre-Delivery or Pre-Collection Inspection. Essentially, we treated the Mitsubishi L200 as if it were a vehicle we were preparing for sale. This meant conducting a thorough inspection and compiling a detailed list of tasks to bring it as close to perfect as possible. From there, we worked with Jeremy to prioritise what absolutely needed doing and what could reasonably be left.
Unlike a typical sale, this vehicle wasn’t about showroom appeal; it was about mechanical reliability under the most extreme circumstances. These vehicles are heading straight into a warzone, where they could be called upon to handle unimaginable challenges and, potentially, save lives. We were acutely aware of the gravity of our role. It wasn’t just about ensuring the L200 could handle the nearly 2,000 miles to Odesa but also preparing it for the unknown dangers and demands it would face once it got there. The stakes couldn’t have been higher, and we were determined to deliver.
After completing the work on Jeremy’s Mitsubishi L200 and handing it over, he introduced us to another owner preparing a battle-bound vehicle: George, with his Isuzu Rodeo. We carried out the same meticulous inspection and preparation process, ensuring the Rodeo was as reliable as possible for the mission ahead. It was another proud moment for the team as we handed the keys back, knowing that in just a few short weeks, both vehicles would be making their way to Ukraine to serve in the military. Watching them drive away from the garage was a mix of pride and anticipation.
We waited eagerly for updates on their journey, fingers crossed for no mechanical hiccups, and we remained on call to offer any advice if needed. The excitement only grew as we wondered where these vehicles would end up and how they would be put to use. A few weeks later, we were honoured to be invited by Jeremy to a talk held in Petworth for friends, family, and everyone who had helped fund and support the project.
At the event, we learned just how much these vehicles carried beyond their mechanical duties. Alongside their sturdy builds and four-wheel-drive capabilities, they were packed with critical supplies: spare 4x4 tyres, generators for the front line, essential medications, and even toys and games for children’s hospitals. The team’s combined efforts raised an incredible £29,104—a testament to the generosity and determination of everyone involved. It was a humbling reminder of how far a little teamwork and dedication can go.
Jeremy and the team weren’t alone in their mission. This journey was part of a convoy of 32 trucks, the majority of which were handed over in Lviv. While in Lviv, they described the surreal experience of being in a vibrant, bustling city juxtaposed with the sombre reality of hundreds of freshly dug graves at The Field of Mars—a sobering reminder that Ukraine is still very much a country at war.
After the convoy parted ways, Jeremy and his group continued down to Odesa to meet Serg, the husband of Yuulia, whom Jeremy and his family had sponsored when she and her children fled Ukraine in the early days of the war. Odesa, Jeremy explained, had an entirely different atmosphere to Lviv. The contrast was stark; when Jeremy suggested meeting at a particular spot, Serg informed him that it had been bombed just days earlier and suggested a safer location. They also discovered the unnerving normality of using a bombing alert app, which Serg advised them to turn off—it would go off constantly in Odesa. Instead, Serg used more reliable intelligence and would tell them when they needed to get to safety.
The handover of vehicles and supplies began in earnest. Generators were dropped off to continue their journey to Kursk, where they were gratefully received. George’s Isuzu Rodeo was handed over to the 28th Brigade (Tank Division) and a soldier named Bohdan. During the presentation back in Petworth, it was suggested that the vehicle might last about three weeks in active service. We’d love to know how it’s faring now.
The presentation also shared some of the impactful moments from delivering provisions. One of the most moving involved donations to an orphanage. Seeing the presenters visibly moved by this part of their experience was deeply poignant, and, at 33 weeks pregnant, we found it particularly emotional ourselves. In war, it is so often the innocent who suffer the most, and this part of the trip clearly highlighted this.
The Mitsubishi L200 was delivered to the Special Forces Shaman Battalion. There’s always something deeply satisfying about seeing a vehicle you’ve worked on out in the world. We often spot cars we’ve serviced cruising around West Sussex, and once, we even saw a vehicle we’d sold pootling through the New Forest—what were the chances! It was a thrill to see it still being enjoyed. But there’s something uniquely special about knowing a vehicle you’ve worked on is heading off to serve such a critical and noble purpose. It’s a different kind of pride—one rooted in the knowledge that your work is contributing to something far greater. We can only imagine the profound sense of privilege felt by those who made the trip and handed over these life-saving vehicles.
The presentation closed with a powerful message: donating a truck or participating in a mission like this is achievable for others, despite the inherent risks, and, if you participate, then you have undoubtedly saved a life. Jeremy emphasised that Lviv remains a vibrant and relatively safe city, and that the positives far outweigh the negatives. Beyond the crucial task of supporting lives, standing for democracy, and opposing Putin’s aggression, the journey also provides the opportunity to meet an incredible variety of people, each with their own inspiring stories to tell.
While we understood the stakes when we first spoke to Jeremy, the presentation and the images gave us a much clearer picture of the vital role these vehicles play. Though we’re not currently in a position to make the journey ourselves, we’ve offered our support in other ways. To Jeremy, George, their friends, and anyone reading this who might be inspired to get involved in the Pick Ups for Peace project, we’re here to help.
We’ve suggested sourcing vehicles through our extensive network of connections and auction site subscriptions to keep costs down on the initial purchase and necessary repairs. If you’re interested, all you need to do is contact Pick Ups for Peace to learn the finer details, get in touch with us, and once the vehicle is secured, we’ll handle the work required to make it roadworthy and ready for the journey. Then it’s as simple as picking up your pick-up and embarking on an adventure to Ukraine!
Of course, we’ve simplified the process here, and we encourage anyone interested to do thorough research. If donating a truck and the associated work isn’t feasible, don’t worry—there are still plenty of ways to get involved. Pick Ups for Peace also organises fundraising efforts that play a vital role in supporting this mission, ensuring that every cog turns to get vehicles and essential supplies to those who need them most.
It has been an absolute honour to be involved in this incredible initiative, and we hope to contribute further in the future. It’s heartening to see that, even as our own country faces challenges, so many people are willing to step up and make a tangible difference in thoughtful, impactful ways.
We hope this blog has shed light on the remarkable efforts of Jeremy, George, and their team, as well as the broader work of Pick Ups for Peace. If this inspires even a handful of readers to follow in the footsteps of the 916 drivers who have already made it to Ukraine, we’ll consider it a job well done.
We’ll leave you with the quote Jeremy shared in his presentation:
“All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.”
—Edmund Burke (1729–1797).
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