Original International K4 still turns heads

Above: This photograph must have been taken very early in the life of the K4. The paintwork is very new (dark blue) and the small square on the top of the windscreen is a temporary registration note used before plates were issued from the (then) Motor Registration Branch. The photograph also illustrates the set-up for tank and windmill erections.

For those of you who have been to the Road Transport Hall of Fame in Alice Springs (sadly, I can't say I am on that list yet), you may remember a little blue Inter K4 sitting happily in her original civilian paint. This is the story behind one of the smallest vehicles on display at Australia's greatest heritage transport venue. Ian Hinks reports.

Our K4 International was “demobbed” in about 1946 and was purchased very soon after by an engineer who resided in Ballarat (as the door sign indicates). The business specialised in the installation of water tanks and the erection of windmill towers. The truck was purchased through the local IHC dealer who had checked out the condition of the truck after Army use. The truck was fitted with new tyres, a new exhaust system and provided with four new wheel caps.

She was originally built with only half doors and cabin - a typical Army style. The cabin finished about seven or eight inches above the windscreen top. The new owner, Mr Ellis, proceeded to build the cabin top and two full-length doors. These additions are wood-framed and the doors contain wind-up windows. At the rear of the truck, and located between the chassis rails and under the tray, was the necessary poles and winch gear required to erect the windmill stands. One legacy of her wartime involvement is the small clip attached to the dashboard just near the glove box. This leather-covered clip was for holding a rifle vertically and could be readily got at if required.

After working around the area for some years the truck was pensioned off and relegated to a shed during the 1970s. In 1984 she was purchased and taken to Mildura. By this time the truck had been well used as seen from the fading paintwork, numerous bumps and scratches. The engine had seen better days and the purchaser sold it to my son, David. The truck participated in the 1993 Mildura Vintage Vehicles Club Easter Rally where it created smiles and comments from many because of the signwriting on the tray sides. Participants in the rally from the Ballarat area said they could remember the truck working in their area.

Above: the K4 as seen in 1993.

Unfortunately the engine was very tired and smoky so David gave it a set of rings which improved the performance no end. No other alterations or additions were made. The truck remains ‘as found’.

In 1995 the family and friends decided to attend the opening of the Alice Springs Road Transport Hall of Fame. Preparations were made with the intention of driving three trucks – a 1951 Ford tray, a 1948 International KB6 tray and a 1942 ‘Jailbar’ Ford tray. Nearing the departure date the 1951 played up so, rather than chance the trip, David loaded up the 1944 K4 on the back of his working bee (apiarist) 1966 Ford F700 and accompanied the two others.

The idea was, as the Hall of Fame would have a lack of exhibits in its early stages, to leave the K4 with the museum as an example of an unrestored, original working truck. Twelve years later the truck is still there and still creating much interest to visitors.