Here's one for all you nostalgic Aussies. Cam McFadyen has sent me this rather old grainy print with the accompanyign message; " Hi Brian,this is the first Western Star imported into Australia, I think it was taken at the 1983 Brisbane truck show. I imagine the reason it`s hooked up to a dry tank is that at the time, Mr [Terry] Peabody owned a transport company called Pozzolanic,which carted fly-ash.I did my apprenticeship with Denmac Ford and spent a fair bit of time setting up the Ford stand. I'll send you some pics of that next.Cam." And being a man of his word here they are!
Dig that crazy bunting. Cam continues: "The Western Star was the first in Oz after the demise of White, not long after Volvo had taken them over in the US. White's manufacturing facility in Australia was located in Brisbane." Which if I recall correctly endeed up in Peabody's hands...Now click through here for another shot of the Ford stand...
I'm sure you'll all forgive the picture quality. Kodak Instamatics weren't as good as today's digtal cameras!
Comments (3)
Not only for nostalgic Aussies. I used to drive one of those Ford Louisvilles in New Zealand, and in spite of the fact that the dashboard was a mess (every switch looked as if came from a different parts bin), it was a great truck to drive. Cummins 400, 15-speed Roadranger and one of the most comfortable driving positions of any truck, ever!
Thanks for the memories, Cam.
Posted by Vic Hungerford | October 1, 2008 4:18 AM
Posted on October 1, 2008 04:18
There is a new book coming out shortly on the Aussie Louisville saga. Not one of mine, but written by a senior Ford Australia engineer. Stay tuned to BLB.
Posted by Peter Lynch | October 1, 2008 9:53 AM
Posted on October 1, 2008 09:53
I'm looking forward to it. Make sure you let us know, Pete.
Posted by Vic Hungerford | October 1, 2008 9:58 AM
Posted on October 1, 2008 09:58