International Australia’s limited edition F4870 Atkinsons were a rare sight on New Zealand roads but very popular in across the ditch. The ‘posh and plush’ interior was a game changer from the bare metal seen in most trucks of that era, with the burnt orange interior a reflection of Aussie outback sunsets that became an industry legend in its own lifetime.
Just like the Holden Sundowner, the Aussie Atkinsons were something special and are still treasured today. The commonly seen stalwart International T Line 2670s came standard with a 350 Cummins and if you wanted a 400+HP version you had to look at the Atkinson, which was sold at a premium.
The Kiwi Eagle
Once International started losing sales, they quickly adapted to the Cummins 400 version and the Aussie Atkinson specials were difficult to obtain, so New Zealand International designed the International F4870 Eagle to compensate.
The Eagle-branded F4870s were the first of the new Big Cam Cummins NTC-400s, still with a 15-speed Road Ranger and SSHD Rockwells but a little extra bling, additional grille lights, some with different air cleaners, bullet lights, aerofoils and other subtle options, so you had a unique New Zealand model.
They were even assembled and modified in International’s Middleton, Christchurch works, almost custom-built to please the loyal New Zealand International buyers.
The Eagles were a “Claytons Atki” but a big level up from the basic T Line. Around 48 Eagle Internationals were sold locally compared to 400-odd T Lines. Currently, it seems that about half are still in working order, resting or awaiting restoration.
Four pure Atkinsons
There were only four pure Atkinsons that came in initially.
1&2. Retko Haulage twins (Big Cam 400 Cummins) sleeper cab and aerofoils.
3. Garry Jones Logging Contractor from Napier (day cab, Big Cam 400 spec).
4. Colin Unsworth contractor to Trailways/Owens (GM 8V92 powered with 14-speed Spicer and 3.7 ratio high speed diffs). It was a high spec Ipec Express build (sleeper cab, aerofoil). According to AtkiPete (Peter Lynch), the Australian Atkinson truck tragic, the high spec Ipec ones were known for their speed and had the nickname ‘Bitumen Boeings’.
These all had the embossed white plate and ‘Atkinson’ black lettering badge on the side of the cab and ‘ATKINSON’ across the front.
The New Zealand-assembled versions had ‘F4870’ in white lettering embossed on a black badge on the side and International across the front with an Eagle badge in centre. Some customised their trucks, changing the name to ‘Atkinson’ and the big ‘A’ badge, just to keep every truck spotter on their toes.
A gov’ners lorry
The British-made Seddon Atkinson was also sold at the same time, but didn’t quite have the same loyal following. ‘A gov’ners lorry’ was a polite description.
Legal conflict with the use of the Atkinson name in New Zealand also complicated the life of the International truck salesmen, hence keeping the International badging in place.
To keep up with local and Australian restorations, there is an active Facebook group. Search ‘International Eagle’ on Facebook.
Images by Rod Simmonds