Thread through northern town missing vehicle (5)
I believe the answer is:
lisle
'thread' is the definition.
(I know that lisle is a type of cotton)
I don't understand the remainder of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for lisle that I've seen before include "Strong twisted cotton thread for the strange Ellis" , "Strong cotton material" , "Strong tightly twisted cotton thread" , "Twisted yarn" , "Maker of hose" .)