Road Transport Hall of Fame - Alice Springs: Classic Restos - Series 56
Fletch returns to the Road Transport Hall of Fame Museum in Alice Springs, established in 1992. The Museum now includes the Kenworth Dealer Hall of Fame, which is a tribute to the trucks and their drivers who were instrumental in opening up Australia.
The Kenworth Dealer Hall of Fame is an 11,000 sq ft area dedicated to the Australian-built Kenworth trucks and the Kenworth Dealers across Australia. The display showcases the first-ever Kenworth, a K125CR known as ‘The Grey Ghost’, which was designed and built in the Bayswater factory in Victoria. These trucks were used for express freight by companies like Comet and Kwikasair between Australian major capital cities. They were equipped with a powerful V8 engine capable of reaching speeds of 100mph. Notably, they had no sleeping quarters or logbooks and were renowned for their high-speed tailgating antics along Australian highways.
The first ever K125CR built was tracked down in Sydney and underwent a complete restoration by the dedicated team at Kenworth’s home base in Victoria at a cost of $125,000. The original purchase price in 1971 was 12,000 pounds. Subsequently, Kenworth opted to allocate a portion of the funds from each new truck sale towards supplying a new model truck to the Kenworth Dealer Hall of Fame rather than investing in costly restoration years down the track. The Museum now has 47 trucks, including 21 new models.
There is an impressive Hall of Fame for dealers that continues to be added to, including a new addition recognising the role of women in the transport Industry as drivers and managers.
Nick, the CEO of the Road Transport Hall of Fame, mentions that the Museum now features a collection of classic cars. In addition to trucks, these vehicles also played a significant role in Australia’s motoring history. This diverse collection of vehicles aims to appeal to the broader interests of tourists, which is vital to Alice Springs and the Northern Territory. Notably, the Northern Territory Government granted 3.5 million dollars to the Museum to secure its future as a tourist destination for all.
The CEO extends a warm welcome to all those travelling to the Northern Territory, especially to Alice Springs.
Comments
PonyRider
Blinkie I enjoyed that video, thanks for the head's up.
The Lincoln and '63 T-Bird were stunning, and how about that Falcon Squire at the end, it is the best I have seen.
So nice to see the love he put into the truck, a good timber tray-top and immaculate inside the cabin.
Cheers Bro !
Blinkie1
They certainly were top rides Pony and new you would enjoy!
PonyRider
Hey thanks Blinkie ~~ Hope you are happy and well mate.
I will check out that video now ! 😉
Blinkie1
Yeah mate I is all good and what's more got a top report fro Doctor this week, first god can't remember.
PonyRider
Wow, the '35 Ford Coupe blew me away, a brilliant red colour,
and as is typical Hot Rod tradition a Chevvy donk and Trans.
The yellow Pick-Up with the LS is just stunning too.
I liked that Ian's real reason for Chev power was "Looks and Reliability" 😎 (that is cool) To top it off, Ian's 1950 Dodge "Sled" showed how versatile the man is.
Love these country mechanics eh Fletch ?
Great episode buddy.
Blinkie1
Hey Pony hope you all good mate. There's been some beauts in Fletch's recent trips around aye. Speaking of which you seen this video as yet: Ford Car & Truck Collector Brian Tomkins: Classic Restos - Series 44, if not scroll down and enjoy mate.
Cheers
Blinke1
Fletch
Thank you Blinkie. I always loved getting into & around the country areas. This goes back to my repping days in the 1980’s. I use to enjoy travelling and setting up territories for new accounts. Guess this is similar, but now it’s the challenge of finding these marvellous people. Thanks again mate, you never miss a beat here !! Cheers Fletch 😎
Blinkie1
Your very welcome as per Fletch. Like me use to enjoy traveling but with poor health and eye sight though health steady at this stage ad been for most of the year thankfully now come to rely on the net and the odd show but close by for the most part.
You know Fletch whether one travels New Zealand or Aussie there is always plenty a classic ride to see somewhere or show on to enjoy.
Thanks mate and take care.
Ray )Blinkie1)
Blinkie1
You certainly getting about given the second wave in parts of your country Fletch. Certainly some beaut rides featured in part one. Ian with the man cave certainly has some pretty awesome rides and what a character Ian is. That Dodge looked the part and stood out with that bright mauve color aye.
That Rover was a sweet looking ride and pretty much and unrestored one at that. The free wheel was something Rover used for many years too.
Thanks for sharing and hey stay safe & well Fletch.
Cheers
Blomkie1