Fine weather and solid crowds helped to make the 42nd Historic Commercial Vehicle Club Display Day at Yarra Glen Racecourse in Yarra Glen, Victoria, a great success on November 12.
Old style rock and roll rang out from the main stage of the venue as those with a passion for the past shared their projects with each other and a general public keen for a day out in the sun and fascinated by the variety of cars, trucks and buses on show.
The event was supported by the Chrysler Restorers Club Display Day, along with the Classic and Historic Automobile Club of Australia, Oldsmobile and Buick Car Clubs.
Exhibitors had rolled in during the early mornings, or camped overnight, for the chance to share their vehicles with others.
Truck lovers were treated to wide range of brands including Mack, Kenworth, Diamond T, Fiat, White, Scania, Commer, Federal and more.
For some, like semi-retired auto electrician Kevin Baker, the event was a chance to share their expertise and offer restorers advice and original parts to help them with their builds.
Surrounded by boxes of carefully numbered parts and massive books of car and truck models and their component listings, Kevin’s stand was a popular destination on the day.
For David Hall and Mark Daglish attending the show was a chance to get together and take a walk down memory lane.
Lindsay McKenzie and his mate Fred Wicking made the trek to Yarra Glen from Kilmore in Lindsay’s cab over Kenworth which started its life hauling steel and is still working to this day.
Lindsay says the truck has caught the eye of a few judges at truck shows over the years thanks to its original condition and the fact it’s still getting work done.
For Russell Ashley of Ashley Transport the show was a chance to bring his 1979
White Roadboss down from Crossover in Victoria for the day and share the White history with the truck lovers out there.
Russell’s fleet includes a 531 Diamond T, SP9 White and a few cabover TranStars – reflective of his love of old school trucks that are just a little bit different.
Country born and bred diesel mechanic Brendan Beams trekked from his 20 acre piece of paradise near Bendigo in an old Fiat truck to catch up with friends and share his latest project with the historic truck community.
Beams, or Beamsy as he’s known, has two sheds full of older trucks on his property.
He says they are vehicles he’s acquired or been gifted over decades in the industry, that have caught his eye for the challenge they represent in bringing them back to life mechanically.
On the Fiat he’s brought to the show, Beamsy is happy to point out the work that’s gone into restoring and rebuilding the braking system that meant the truck was up to the 3.5 hour drive to Yarra Glen.
The event showcased a wide array of historic commercial vehicles of all shapes and sizes, and planning is already underway for 2024.
To see more great photos from the day, pick up the December edition of Deals on Wheels magazine from December 18.