The Peterbilt 388 show truck is back with a new look

Deals on Wheels finds out what happened to the unique Peterbilt 388 featured in the magazine back in June 2016

Back in June 2016, a distinctive purple Peterbilt 388 — a radical import by Trucks Works NZ Ltd — was featured in Deals on Wheels #273. The mighty US Classic 388 prime mover (or tractor in the US) was a talking point around Mt Maunganui as it stood tall and proud outside Truck Works’ site for every jealous truckie to see as they went to the port.

K2ETA posing at the local Masterton Saleyards — the longtime base of operations for Burling Transport for carting stock

Roll on to 2024, and the truck has undergone a dramatic transformation under the ownership of Masterton-based trucking icon, Johnny Burling. Out went the purple, replaced with a stunning vampire red paint job.

According to the painter’s directory, the vampire red colour is often associated with “powerful emotions of love, anger, and passion and represents energy, strength, and determination. In some cultures, red is also seen as a symbol of luck and prosperity.”

For Johnny, the decision was personal, aligning his truck with the colour of his ute.

Johnny is a truck nut through and through in the most endearing terms. His late father Fred was an old-school trucker: gruff and tough but with a heart of gold.

After Fred’s passing, Johnny decided that a lifetime in the hot seat, owning and managing a fleet of trucks wasn’t for him. The stress and the hassle of organising a fleet that travelled all over the country, while being on the road and balancing family and health concerns was the tipping point for Johnny. Instead, he turned his attention to his passion for Peterbilts. His decision to acquire the purple truck after a chance look in the trucks for sale section proved to be a turning point.

Left: The lights are unmistakeable American Right: Tribute to Fred Burling on the back of the sleeper

Initially, the truck stayed in the wool store in Masterton until Johnny sold the fleet and things settled. Due to its sheer size and configuration, the truck was deemed too much for practical use, so Johnny decided to give it an overhaul.

Over the next two years, the truck underwent changes to make it look true to its American roots and it’s been a work in progress ever since.

With the help of Peak Panel and Paint Te Puke, the truck shed its purple hue and was given a red finish. Master signwriter Cliff Mannington and Johnny searched the web for a classic clean American look for the subtle J.B on the truck. Whatever the weather, you will never miss the truck on the road.

J.B loves his utes as much as trucks — and they have to match

Those with a sharp eye would notice the original curved bumper has been replaced with the typical Texas-style front plough and a different style of lights have been added to the front and rear bumpers to give an overall balanced look.

Inside, the truck’s makeover is still a work in progress but the look will remain true to its US heritage, with a modern take. The 73-inch factory sleeper with all the options makes it a driver’s dream.

The original purple Peterbilt featured in DOW in 2016

Under the big snout is a clean Cummins, reportedly wound out to around 700hp. These days, running as a prime mover — whoops, sorry, tractor — to truck and car shows, it’s hardly tested. With only 25,000km on the clock, it’s not going to wear out either. And that’s what J.B is all about. He’s happy to display it as a show truck, visit local events, and take truck-nut kids for rides and ‘burn coal’, as it puts a smile on everyone’s dial.

Johnny is thankful he can now enjoy trucking. It’s not a job but a joy. The truck probably won’t ever tow a trailer, but the next project could well be a working truck, and it will be just as spectacular. More on that as it comes to hand.

Peterbilt 388 basic specs

The vampire red soaks up the sunshine and reflects nicely in the puddle

Photography: Rod Simmonds