Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Final instalment from the Hunter Valley Vintage Truck Muster

Above: a very tidy and fresh-looking Mack R-model. Below: perhaps not to everyone's taste but this eye-catching Pete from the Moss collection is certainly a latter-day classic.


Above: If I recall correctly, this C-model Inter was originally owned by Vic Pike in Victoria but now resides in NSW. She is being followed by Bruce Gunter's Commer C7 Mk III Interim model. These trucks were only built between 1957 and 1958. Bruce is an upholsterer by trade and the interior of this truck is, as you can imagine, rather marvellous. Below: the Volvo F7 is becoming a popular truck in the Australian historic scene. This is Paul Harrison's eight-legger and one of several trucks he brought to support the Muster. The Bedford ML on her back is a local truck that was for sale for several years until bought by another local.


Above: another classic Volvo, an F86 this time. The Hunter Valley Classic Commercial Vehicle Club is at the forefront of an effort to record the history of Volvo trucks in Australia. A worthwhile project so if you have an old Volvo, or know of one, get in touch! Below: still a familiar sight on Australian roads - the Denning coach.


Above: one of the more popular vintage vehicles at the lighter end of the scale is the ubiquitous Chev 4. Below: Andrew Blacklock, one of the organisers of the Muster, owns the Leyland Atlantean double-decker in partnership with Keiran Jefferies. The odd looking beastie next to it is also in local fleet colours but I have yet to discover its story.


Above: one of the better-known fleets in the Hunter region, Smith's, operated a number of older trucks for some time. The Scammell Routeman II at far right is owned by Andrew Blacklock and was only retired from regular beer deliveries several years ago. Andrew also owns (with Paul Campbell) the AEC Monarch in the middle. The G-cabbed Leyland and the 1419 Merc are still owned by Smith's. The LAD-cabbed Albion is owned by Keiran Jefferies. Below: this Cummins-powered Atkinson Mk III is a very tidy unit. If you want to learn about Atkinsons in Australia, look for a copy of the superb "Atkinson Down Under" by Peter Lynch.

Monday, May 16, 2011

Hunter Valley success!

By all accounts, the Muster was a roaring success with great weather, crowds and an excellent turn out of vintage trucks. Well done to the Hunter Valley Vintage Commercial Club!


Above: I think this Albion lives in Parkes with an afficianado of the make (whose name escapes me at present). Below: Frank Latorre's Foden S21 certainly gets around.



Above: the organisers arranged for a road train, not allowed on roads in the region, to be on display. Below: the yellow TK is a recent addition to the Paul Harrison collection which includes a couple of AECs, another TK and a Mack B-model. Clearly a man of taste.



Above: Andrew Blacklock (with co-owner Paul Campbell) finished the extensive refurbishment of his AEC Monarch - another former Smith's beer truck - just before the show. Perhaps the only one in preservation in Australia at the moment? Below: the AEC in the Smith's line-up.




Above: the only place in Australia you can see this many preserved AECs. All four are former Newcastle Haulage trucks. From left to right, Paul Harrison's Mandator, Glen Richards' export model Matador Mk III and Mammoth Major Mk III and Steve King's MM Mk III. The two Mk III tippers are 2/3 of a trio of trucks built to a special order. Originally on interstate work complete with sleeper cabs, the two seen above were converted to tippers. The hunt continues for the third truck which remained a flat-top!

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Early arrivals at the Hunter Valley Vintage Truck Muster

A quick update from the Hunter Valley guys. Looks like some good variety in both makes and ages already. Blue skies too. Happy days. Thanks to Andrew Blacklock for these photos.


Sydney Antique & Classic Truck Show - June 19, 2011

The first, major, 100% vintage truck show for Sydney. Support it if you can!

The Hills Of Adelaide Road Run - June 11 & 12, 2011

Great to see such challenging runs being organised and, by all accounts, well attended. Phone or email Judy Craig on 08 8522 1055 or Murray Langford on 08 8725 5809.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Hunter Valley Muster in the news

The Hunter Valley Vintage Truck Muster is happily gaining a lot of attention in the media. I can't make it this year but here's a little taster of what you can expect at this well-run and imaginative event.


Tuesday's Newcastle Herald:

Tuesday's Maitland Mercury:


Andrew Marquet's dainty 6x6 Oshkosh will be there.