In this video classic restoration enthusiast, Fletch, gives us a Kenworth history lesson about the introduction of the iconic brand to the Australian truck market.
In 1962, Edwin Cameron and George Bloomfield introduced Kenworth to Australia by purchasing seven ‘S’ Model Kenworth trucks built to their Australian specifications. Fletch features an interview with Ed Cameron during the 50th Anniversary of Kenworth in Australia in 2012, delving into the origins of Kenworth’s presence in the country. Kenworth identified the potential in the Australian market and commenced local production of Kenworth trucks in 1970.
He also visited the Kenworth Dealers Hall of Fame Museum in Alice Springs. The museum features an exhibition dedicated to the history of Australian-designed and built Kenworth trucks and the supporting dealer network. This includes the K125R, known as the Grey Ghost, the first Kenworth designed and built in Australia.
A significant player in Kenworth’s history in Australia is Brown & Hurley, the first dealer for Kenworth in the country. Jim Hurley, son of the late Jack Hurley, shares the company’s beginnings in 1946.
Jack Hurley and his business partner Jim Brown, both ex-army personnel, started with a small automotive repair shop. They soon realised the potential of truck sales and pivoted to selling trucks rather than focusing on automotive repairs.
Before Kenworth entered the market, they already had a wide range of English and European trucks in their inventory. Appointed as the Australian Kenworth dealer in 1964, they are now employing over 400 staff dedicated to sales, service, and repair work, including restoration projects.
Then there’s Justin Klos, and his brother Turk, who specialise in rejuvenating older Kenworths to give them a new lease on life. Their interest in custom truck building was sparked during a visit to the US, where they were inspired by the custom work of American truck builders, motivating them to take it on back in Australia.
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