HISTORIC WORKING VEHICLES
In this website section we’ve listed the working vehicles that are of most relevance to the Australian road transport history. We’re indebted to many research sites, in particular Wikipedia. We’ve researched thoroughly, but we’re more than happy to add factual information that our website visitors may have. Just drop us an email!
Restored LandCruiser 75 Series still working
Our other website Outback Travel Australia’s restoration project, rebuilding and modifying a 1993 LandCruiser 75 Series tray-back, is an ongoing exercise. It’s still working for its living.
Daihatsu Delta – 50 years on and still working
This Daihatsu Delta tipper was still in regular use on John M’s farm in Kingston, Tasmania, in 2025. He bought it used, mainly for the flexibility of its three-way tipping body.
Gas fuel from wood or coal
During both 20th century World Wars, petrol and diesel were rationed in warring countries, so alternative fuels were developed. The most popular were gaseous fuels, made by on-board wood, coke or charcoal ‘gas-producers’, or supplied from coal-sourced town gas.
Petrol Louisvilles rule, OK
VB-green, V8 petrol-powered Ford Louisvilles are still busy bees in this sweet Tasmanian operation.
Toyota LandCruiser
The LandCruiser has sufficient cult status to warrant its entry in the Working Vehicles section of the Historic Vehicles website. The ‘Cruiser working vehicles have become legendary.
Why Australian heavy trucks are the way they are
In Europe, the USA and Japan, very few people notice the fundamental differences between each country’s trucks. It’s only in Australia, where all three nations’ trucks compete that the differences are so obvious. “Why is it so?”, the good professor used to ask and Allan Whiting makes an attempt at explanation.
On patrol with the NRMA
Across the decades, the NSW NRMA’s patrol vehicles have been almost as iconic as the men who drove them.
Bill Cousins – a road transport pioneer
Bill Cousins was one of many men from humble beginnings who, with the aid of good business acumen, established an interstate transport business in the mid-20th Century.
