The Kenworth Klassic 2022: Classic Restos - Series 51
Over 400 trucks descend on Clarendon, South Australia, for the Annual Kenworth Klassic and Fletch is there to bring you some of the action from this massive event.
Kenworth's history dates back to 1912 in Seattle, Washington, USA. In 1933, Kenworth was the first American truck company to make diesel engines standard in their trucks, along with a sleeper cab option. Developments followed with aluminium hubs, state-of-the-art sleeper cabs, torsion bar rear suspension, and hydraulic brakes (pre-air). By 1940 there were 250 Kenworth trucks on the road.
Importation into Australia began in 1962, and by 1967, 100 Kenworths were operating on Australian roads. Local assembly in Australia commenced in 1970, with 2,000 trucks produced out of the Bayswater Vic assembly plant. Kenworth just recently celebrated their 70,000th Kenworth truck; now that's a milestone.
The Kenworth Klassic is full of characters, salt-of-the-earth men and women who carry Australia. The camaraderie among them and their passion for these massive trucks is something to behold.
Fletch speaks with four owners who have taken time out of their driving schedule to be part of the annual event, many travelling vast distances to be here. Incredibly 75% of the trucks at Clarendon are working trucks and will be back on the road after the show.
First is Scott's 1967 fully customised Peterbilt Truck with V8 CAT engine. A restoration project of 18 years, with no expense spared, it's magnificently presented and still a working truck today.
Then another Scott, with a beautifully restored 1984 Kenworth with a tragic history. The previous owner of 28 years, a well-known character within the industry, died behind the wheel of this beloved Kenworth. Scott had lovingly maintained the Kenworth in the condition of the previous owner.
Next is Bruce, with his 1978 Kenworth, which also has a fascinating history. When Bruce was eight years old, he saw this truck owned by Max Keough and fell in love with it. Many years later, he chased it down and restored it to its showroom condition. The original owner, Max Keough, now driving trucks in the US, returned at Bruce's invitation for the weekend to see his original Kenworth truck in pristine condition and still bearing his name and colour scheme.
Finally, there is Chappo, who claims he may not have worked on every truck at the event, but he knows everyone, and everyone knows him.
Chappo is a mechanic, first and foremost, which lead him to become a road train driver, driving doubles and triples on the TNT Darwin Express for Shaw's Transport. Today he operates North West Transport and has spotted the original truck he drove on the Darwin run for Shaws Transport.
Big trucks and big characters are all at the Kenworth Klassic for 2022.
Comments
Lethl_Z
Hi there!
My 370z is in the 2020 Shannon's Show and Shine. It would honestly mean the world to me if you could please hit the VOTE button on my entry at the link below! I really appreciate the support if you have a few seconds 🤞😊🤞
https://www.shannons.com.au/club/show-n-...
Kind Regards,
Scott
GregsLandy1985
Just a huge 'Thank You' for return voting for my little Gemini Panel Van in the Australian category.
If you haven't yet I would really appreciate it greatly.
https://www.shannons.com.au/club/show-n-...
Thank you & much appreciated.
GregsLandy1985
Hello I gave you my vote. Could you please vote for my Gemini in the Australian category.
https://www.shannons.com.au/club/show-n-...
Thank you.. Good luck
Myers
Great looking Beetle love the colours well done. I voted so if you have time please vote for me thanks
https://www.shannons.com.au/club/show-n-...
Luckymarkus
You got my vote ... Great machine .. gimme a vote too pls ... https://www.shannons.com.au/club/show-n-...
Pomey57
nice ride mate I just voted for you
appreciate if you can check mine out for a vote
https://www.shannons.com.au/club/show-n-...
briony19365
Love the beetle!! Got my vote.
If you have a moment I would appreciate a vote on my car please 😊
https://www.shannons.com.au/club/show-n-...
samellen96
Slammed! Would love if you would return my vote in Asian. Good luck! https://www.shannons.com.au/club/show-n-...
DQS15
Voted! Love the style and how clean this looks!
I would appreciate if you could help me out too and vote for my Silvia S15 in the Asian class please :)
https://www.shannons.com.au/club/show-n-...
Good luck and keep the passion alive!
LethlZ
Awesome build, I have voted for you! Would greatly appreciate a vote for mine in the ASIAN Category if you have a second :)
https://www.shannons.com.au/club/show-n-...
Best of luck!!
XU1_1972
I voted for your Car. Can you please vote for my XU1Torana. Thank you
https://www.shannons.com.au/club/show-n-...
HQVanLover
Love your Car .... I have given you a vote. Please return the favor by voting for my HQ Panel Van .. Good Luck
https://www.shannons.com.au/club/show-n-...
66Thunderbird
VOTED for your Stunning BEETLE .. Good Luck
can you Please give my 1959 Edsel Ranger a vote in the American Section..Cheers Lee-Anne
https://www.shannons.com.au/club/show-n-...
Candice
Looks great!