The Southpac Kenworth 100-year anniversary event saw a few US-imported K100Es. Among them, one of Seattle’s finest was proudly displayed by Pukekohe-based Collin Walters.
Collin is well known for many things, including his W-Model ‘Movin On’ replica W900, a hardworking truck still navigating New Zealand roads (featured in Deals on Wheels in October 2012).
When the need arose for a cab over engine (COE) to fit behind the ever-increasing lengthy semi-trailers Collin needed to use, there was only one choice — a Kenworth K100E.
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The interstate sleeper
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Initially imported by ETL/MTE Group in Hamilton, the 1998 classic truck had already clocked significant miles across the US before arriving in New Zealand.
At the end of its second working life in New Zealand, the truck languished in Hamilton for a while before Collin purchased it. He got it home to Pukekohe and with the help of truck restoration gurus Patrick and Stuart Howard (Terence Howard & Sons Ltd) went and got stuck into it over many long nights and weekends.
A Kenworth in a yard dominated by Mercedes-Benz posed its challenges, but steadily, the plan started to take shape, and eventually, the reborn Kenworth was glowing as much as the immaculate Mercedes trucks parked nearby. The traditional American paint job on Collin’s truck is a testament to the Howards — no stickers here.
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Left: Happy trucker Collin Walters Right: The stripes are all painted on
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Originally operated by Marine Cross Country Transport, Greenville, South Carolina (USDOT Number 563049), this 112-inch K100E travelled across many state delivery lines as a stretched chassis truck and trailer unit, which in itself is unusual for the US traditionalists.
The truck’s specifications are reminiscent of the classic style of the 1990s: Cummins Celect Plus N14-425 with 13-speed Roadranger transmission, 44,000lb Eaton diffs, and KW200 rear suspension.
The lightweight eight-metre tractor unit cuts a dazzling picture when seen with some of Collin’s more interesting old-school trailers, such as quads, B-Trains, self-steer extendable, or ex-US aluminium trailers — traditional and nothing fancy but suits the period and, more importantly, suits Collin’s varied workload.
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The original cab interior has been repaired to match the traditional factory finish
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From curtainsider one day to carting pipes, steel, timber, or heavy machinery the next, Collin’s truck is versatile enough to handle any task thrown its way.
The truck is still a work in progress, but after three years, the hardest stuff has been completed. Now enjoying a part-time status, it operates anywhere and everywhere the loads are required.
The cab is traditional buttoned blue leather and shag pile carpet fitted by Collin from other donor Kenworths to ensure everything is genuine American trucking.
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The famous W Model resting in the background
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Collin also fitted over a dozen extra gauges in the dashboard, so he knows everything that’s happening with the truck’s running gear. Suffice to say, when parked up in various locations around New Zealand (near a mandatory steak restaurant, rumour has it), the unique rig attracts a fair bit of attention and is getting well-know over social media these days.
With 1,100,000 kilometres on the clock, Collin says he hopes for many more miles behind the big steering, halo glowing, as he and the American import get to see the New Zealand countryside. It’s just old-school cool.
Footnote: There’s another K100E Australian-made version in Collin’s three-truck fleet now — a famous Ex-Nupins 8×4 refitted as a local water tanker, but that story is best left for another time.
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The Australian-built K100E ex-Nupins water tanker
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Photography: Rod Simmonds