Travelling in a 1980 W-Model Kenworth named Rocky through the Upper South Island with New Zealand Trucking’s Dave McCoid gave Milly McCauley insight into the evolving classic truck movement.

The Top of the South classic truck group is an informal gathering of people with a common interest in taking their classic trucks out and about, instead of them sitting in sheds and not being enjoyed.

Lisa Austin, Geoff Webby and Murray Bruning organised the event, which involved a three- day run starting in Nelson. There were about a dozen participants.

On day one, the trucks travelled from Nelson through the Rai Valley and Havelock to Blenheim, where the event was centred. New Zealand Trucking magazine met the group on the morning of day two at Wadsco Truck’s Blenheim premises.

Local interest in the group’s vehicles was strong, with many turning up to have a look at the selection of trucks originating mainly from the 1970s and early 1980s. Many workhorses that would have been on the road in that era were there, including Mack’s R and F trucks, various Kenworths and several trucks of British origin.

Several local Marlborough-operated trucks arrived and joined the group for a run up SH1 to picturesque Picton, where the trucks were left on the waterfront while the troops had morning tea.

After a period of socialising, it was back through the myriad of grapevines the district is famous for to the Allan Scott Family Winemakers vineyard, located between Blenheim and Renwick. The vineyard has a cellar door and bistro and some folks participated in the hospitality on offer while others just mingled.

The trucks were arranged for a group photograph, and as the last rays of sun dropped behind the Richmond Ranges, a convoy rolled out the winery gate and headed back into Blenheim.

As the trucks rolled out, the passion, commitment and dedication of those determined to preserve these notable rigs of New Zealand’s trucking past were evident.

Co-organiser Murray Bruning explains that they wanted to keep the event predominately about vintage non-working trucks. However, there is a spot for five modern trucks at a time in each run in the future.

It is the group’s intention to continue with runs and visits to events of interest, including local A&P Shows.

Special thanks

My thanks to the Top of the South Classic Truck crew for being so welcoming and to Ed Solly for allowing Dave and I to take Rocky across from Nelson to join in.