Special edition MK4 pays tribute to proud heritage since wartime launch of the original MK2
In 1945, PCL released a Vertex air line gauge - the “speedy and accurate” MK2 - which fast became a favourite in garages and service stations due to its reliable performance.
The popular handheld tool became the MK3 in 1992, then made way for the MK4 in 2016. Eight decades later it has transformed into the AIRFORCE MK4, trusted by professionals for generations and still proudly “Made in Sheffield”. This model, introduced in 2016, was swiftly followed by the first digital version, the ACCURA MK4. Both had their warranty extended to two years in 2020.
“Every year the MK4 has, for me, been the number 1 tyre inflator for filling tyres at all gas stations throughout Norway.”
Roger Furuseth, Sales and Product Manager. AS Heda, Norway
PCL marked the exact date the design for the original MK2 inflator was finalised with the launch of an icon as a badge of quality. Now, to celebrate 80 years of evolution and pay homage to its highly valued distributors, PCL has created a special edition red AIRFORCE MK4 as a striking tribute to the past logos and product lines that have helped shape PCL’s reputation for design and engineering excellence.
The eye-catching red version gives a nod to PCL’s provision of a reconditioning and recalibration service at its Eyre Street factory in the early 80s and 90s, when reconditioned gauges were painted red to make them easily identifiable.
“Ahh the memories, we started Metro Sales back in 1989, and I actually had a factory tour of the old Eyre Steet site.
The arrival of the new AFG4 series - the MK4 - was a revelation. We've sold over 3000 across the whole range with hardly any issues in quality, accuracy or longevity. A proper piece of kit, often copied, never equalled.”
Gary Crotty, Director, Metro Sales, Byfleet, Surrey, England
PCL Managing Director Lee Wright said: “We are enormously proud to have reached this milestone, with the MK4 continuing to “make its mark” for its fast, accurate inflation and its durable design. It remains the all-time product of choice for users who prefer a linear inflator.
“Of course, we could not ensure its widespread accessibility to our customers worldwide without the support and service of our excellent distributors. Therefore, to mark this milestone, we have given some of our longest standing partners a special edition red AIRFORCE MK4 to display on their trade counters.
“As such, we thought it fitting to make this celebration a shared tribute to the MK4’s illustrious history and its lasting impact by including some testaments and trips down memory lane from our partners.”
“We are proud to have been a distributor of PCL in Southern Africa for over 50 years and have displayed the red MK4 alongside other old PCL favourites. including the MK2. During our partnership with PCL, the MK2, MK3, and MK4 have all been proven under Africa’s demanding conditions, consistently demonstrating exceptional engineering quality.
Displaying the special red edition in our showroom is a fitting way to celebrate 80 years of innovation and share a piece of PCL’s history. We continue to sell and support the PCL MK4 with pride and confidence."
Gavin Baudinet, Managing Director, Automotive Equipment International, South Africa
