PCL paints the MK4 red to celebrate 80 years

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.

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 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.

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.”