At the recent Alexandra Truck, Rod and Ute Show Larsen’s Truck Sales’ boss David Larsen rolled up with a rare ‘Smokey and the Bandit’ Kenworth W925 model. Peter and Di Schlenk took the chance to find out how he came by it
This year’s running of the Alexandra Truck, Rod and Ute Show, held on June 12, had a host of impressive machinery on display, but none were as striking as a Smokey and the Bandit-themed 1976 Kenworth W925 model with its accompanying Pontiac TransAm.
Both vehicles were part of the Larsen’s Truck Sales stand at Alexandra, the 20th running of the event.
“It is just something different and it’s eye catching, especially for a show like this,” company founder David Larsen explains.
Larsen’s Truck Sales, the major sponsor of the Alexandra Truck, Rod and Ute Show, had nine on display, including the W model.
David has little knowledge of the old Kenworth’s history. He had purchased it from another truck wholesaler in rust free condition.
He then set about doing it up as a replica of the Smokey and the Bandit truck which featured in the 1977 movie.
After all, it was of the same vintage, plus the TransAm which appeared in the movie was a ’77 model.
“I want to thank those who helped transform the W925,” says David, acknowledging the good industry relationships he has built over the years.
“The truck was purchased 12 months ago and we have spent in excess of $100,000 on it.”
The Kenworth has a 335hp Cummins up front, a 15 speed Road Ranger gearbox and six-rod suspension. It’s a well-specced truck and David is hoping that someone will give it a great home.
“Andrew Steffenson from Transmatt Truck Detailing was the main organiser who put it all together, while Shane Sluka from Total Diesel Services (TDS) did the mechanical work.
“Ray Moyle from Prime Refinishing painted it, so it has been a joint effort by everybody and a good advertisement for us,” David explains.
TDS went through the truck from front to back, rebuilding what needed to be done, including installing a new clutch. David has had his trucks painted by Prime Refinishing for 23 years, and he has known Andrew 20 years.
“I have been friends with these people for a long time,” David says. “It’s the same with selling trucks; making sure that you do the right thing. It is a big industry but a very small world.”
David expected the Smokey and the Bandit W model Kenworth to some attention, but was surprised when it quickly attracted 1300 ‘likes’ on the Larsen’s Truck Sales Facebook page.
“It certainly appeals to a lot of different people,” David says. “People my age, in our 50s, recognise it and my boys do too. It’s a very iconic truck.”
Read more about the unique Kenworth W925 model, and Dandenong South-based Larsen’s Truck Sales, in an upcoming issue of Deals on Wheels.