Fletch devotes this week's episode to the history of Kenworth in Australia and the memorable stories that Classic Restos has featured over the years with Kenworth.
In 1962, Edwin Cameron and George Bloomfield introduced Kenworth to Australia by purchasing seven 'S' Model Kenworth trucks built to Australian to their Australian specifications Fletch features an interview with Ed Cameron during the 50th Anniversary of Kenworth in Australia in 2012, delving into the origins of Kenworth's presence in the country. Kenworth identified the potential in the Australian market and commenced local production of Kenworth trucks in 1970.
Fletch takes a trip down memory lane to when he visited the Kenworth Dealers Hall of Fame Museum in Alice Springs. The museum features an 11,000-square-foot exhibition dedicated to the history of Australian-designed and built Kenworth trucks and the supporting dealer network. Fletch highlights one truck in particular: the K125R, known to truck die-hearts as the Grey Ghost, the first Kenworth designed and built in Australia.
A significant player in Kenworth's history in Australia is Brown & Hurley, the first dealer for Kenworth in the country. Jim Hurley, son of the late Jack Hurley, shares the company's beginnings in 1946, well before Kenworth's entry into the market. Jack and his business partner Jim Brown, both ex-army personnel, started with a small automotive repair shop. They soon realised the potential of truck sales and pivoted to selling trucks rather than focusing on automotive repairs. Before Kenworth entered the market, they already had a wide range of English and European trucks in their inventory. Appointed as the Australian Kenworth dealer in 1964, they have since established a long and proud history with Kenworth, currently employing over 400 staff dedicated to sales, service, and repair work, including restoration projects. Their dedication to Kenworth is truly inspiring.
Finally, Fletch revisits his time with Justin Klos, and his brother Turk, who specialise in custom-built trucks. Specifically rejuvenating older Kenworths to give them a new lease on life. Their interest in custom truck building was sparked during a visit to the US, where they were inspired by the custom work of American truck builders, motivating them to take it on back in Australia. Fletch checks out two of their unique custom builds.
