The iconic Mean Machine was on display in all its glory at the Heritage Truck Association Truck Show in Rocklea, Queensland over the weekend, in its first major outing since it underwent a full restoration.
The association’s president, Mark Plunkett, told Big Rigs that the crowd was “very excited” to see the B Model Mack race truck, as well as its legendary former driver Billy Gordon.
Gordon owned the modified rig for over 50 years and became well known for racing it back in the day, before he sold it to Bernie Tobin, who has recently finished restoring it.
“Having the Mean Machine at the show was a huge highlight,” Plunkett said.
“They started it up a number of times during the day and it created a lot of interest.”
Seeing the truck brought back some fond memories for Plunkett.
“I was actually at the very first truck drags down the Gold Coast when they first raced the truck, back when it was still a working truck,” he said. “I think it was about 1978.”
The Mean Machine wasn’t the only slice of road transport history at the Rocklea Showgrounds – the first Kenworth ever sold by Brown and Hurley was also on display.
“Doug Wyton from Toowoomba was Brown and Hurley’s first Kenworth customer, back in 1965,” Plunkett said.
“His son, Gordon Wyton, bought a Kenworth T909 from Brown and Hurley on the 50th anniversary of that sale.
“Both of those trucks were at the show.”
Other draw cards over the weekend included vintage tractors, cars, trade stalls, a raffle, and food and drink.
All in all, Plunkett was very happy with how the event went.
“The rain held off, and the weather turned out to be pretty good.
“It was a great show.”