The Ivanhoe Dry Times 2022 Truck, Tractor, Car and Bike show attracted not only Wilcannia residents but a truck which started its working life in Wilcannia.
Harry Scarce purchased the 4200T White Mustang prime mover in Adelaide in 1960. The fully imported White had a 386 cubic inch 6 cylinder side valve petrol motor, made by White in Cleveland Ohio.
Harry used the truck to cart wool to Adelaide and bring back fuel and oil for West Darling Transport, then part of Knox and Downs.
It was a hard life, most of the roads, including the Barrier Highway were dirt and there was no air conditioning.
Robbie Robertson bought the truck in 1976, and as the motor had run a bearing and ruined the shaft, he dropped a Perkins Diesel in.
Robbie used the truck for three years carting wool out and bringing back supplies for the family-owned power stations which generated electricity for Wilcannia and Ivanhoe.
Robbie retired ‘Harry’ in 1980 after buying a LT110 Scania, and took him to Narromine when the family moved there in 1988.
In the early 2000’s Robbie set to work bringing Harry back to his former glory. A genuine second hand classic truck, Robbie is only the second owner since new.
As well as trucks, the show attracted a good number of veteran, vintage and modern cars.
To show how much things have changed, below top is the engine bay of a 1953 FX Holden. Underneath is the engine bay of a 2012 Holden Series II SS.
According to “Waynes Garage” and the Veteran Car Club of Tasmania the following years of manufacture determines classification.
- Veteran: 1905—1918
- Vintage: 1919—1930
- Post Vintage: 1931—1949
- Classic Acceptance: 1950—1969
- Modern Classic: 1970—1989
In NSW a vehicle over 30 years old can be classified as an Historic Vehicle.
This article appeared in Wilcannia News, October 2022.
