RECORD BREAKER, MYTH MAKER
“The quality of the workmanship from all involved as she grew alive again was just breathtaking to watch.”
WELCOME FOLKS. Before we begin, I recommend everyone do a quick status check. Is your beer cold? Have you got some chips to crunch on? Have you emptied your bladder? Because I’m inviting you to sit down and enjoy a story I’ve been waiting 17 months to write. For those dubious about the level of amusement involved, well when you’ve got a story that involves names like Plugger, Ferret, Tart, Bullbar Bob, Burloo, Popeye and even Festus, I think you can be assured it’s an interesting tale.
By now I’m sure you have already flicked through the photos accompanying this piece and after wiping the drool off your chin have come to the same conclusion as countless other truck fans: “DAMN that’s a fine-looking Superliner” – and you would be right.
Now, however, you have come back to read the story and learn a bit more about it. So welcome, let me take you back to May 2018. That’s when the marvellous world of Facebook connected a very young workshop manager with yours truly.
“Hey Bud. I’m doing up a V8 ‘88 model Superliner in my workshop in Toowoomba atm. The truck’s got a bit of history behind it.”
That was the understated opening to the message I got from Mark Holt, the aforementioned workshop manager. He finished the introduction with the almost redundant statement: “Let me know if you’re interested in having a look at it.” I mean, seriously, does a bear crap in the woods? Does Dolly Parton sleep on her back? He had me at V8 ‘88 Superliner!
Keep it in the family
Of course, I acted more like a professional journalist than a giddy schoolboy when I replied, but the end result was that we kept in constant communication as the rebuild took place. Many progress photos were sent by Mark, and to be honest, it kind of felt like finding dad’s Penthouse collection as I hid away from others just to enjoy the view. Not that I ever found dad’s collection – I was way too busy studying and assisting the elderly, I promise.
The Superliner’s progress was stunning. The quality of the workmanship from all involved as she grew alive again
