1983 Aussie Superliner sold 30 June 2025

[harrybarbon]

This 1983 Superliner was sold by Paul Cootes on 30 June 2025 at auction for $AUS 342,650 / $US 266,150, including auction buy fee of 10%. Motor - EM V8/440, 12 spd gearbox and 4.64 rears on Mack spring suspension. The sleeper is a crawl through type.

History is it was bought by a gent named Bromage, who carted fuel for Shell out of Melbourne for many years. His fleet was Mack for many years, the later years being all v8 Superliners. Bromage was one of the first Superliner owners. Bromage's trucks were painted, yellow, blue and red, possibly green as well. He may have owned about 20 trucks and tankers when sold to Ian Cootes. Paul Cootes father, Ian Cootes, bought Bromage's business and all his trucks and tankers around 1989. Ian started his transport business maybe around mid 1960's with 1 tray truck and built it to a successful major fuel transport operation across the eastern coast and inland. Ian ran a very high standard operation and excellent safety record. Cootes mainly carted all types of fuel and LPG for Shell. Cootes trucks were painted dark green (like the old International green) and white with scroll work. Ian sold his business many years back to another fuel operator, then private equity bought it and onsold to another operator who completely f...d it up, in every way possible. Cootes tanker business was liquidated about 4-5 years ago. When Ian was operating his business he had operators waiting to buy his trucks when he sold them for new replacements and he got top prices. Many of his trucks are working today still with the original green and white colours. Ian died about 18 months ago from dementia related illness.

Ian sold this ex Bromage Superliner because he did not like the V8's, he sold all the V8 trucks and replaced with R model 600 series with E6 and E7 motors. Later he bought Freightliners and KW's, but most of his fleet was Mack. About 3 years ago Paul re-bought this Superliner and restored it. 

[mrsmackpaul]

AllI can say is, they have more loose change under the cushions than do 

Crazy money for what it is, but if it is what you want then why not 

It's not restored by any stretch of the imagination, it's pretty customized 

I guess it might be resto modded or maybe just customized 

 

Paul

[cruiseliner64]

A hell of a lot of money but its a hell of a truck....as Paul said if its what you want then go for it....

Paul

[1961H67]

That is a Beautiful Truck!,, I know a guy that gave the same price for a 1970 Winged Plymouth Super Bird,,, Both equally beautiful. 

[mowerman]

Very interesting story thanks for that unfortunately time does that to allots of reputable businesses   Truck is gorgeous and to lotsa folks that price is pocket change bob

[1961H67]

Yep and like my friend with a Superbird and some I have talked to with some really nice trucks, They have been fortunate enough to have worked hard and built a good business,, I’m glad they are able to buy some of these really nice trucks,, The Keystone museum in Virginia is a good example,, Now everyone can enjoy them. 

[mowerman]

someone mentioned a while back it doesn't take much these days to become a millionaire turn a couple of fixer homes and your in,,,bob

[mowerman]

Also, Dean, I was working in a Chrysler dealership washing cars one of my first jobs. I remember seeing one of those super bees out front on display what it was just about New I think back then it sold for between three and 4000 year old car it was  lime green. With the wing I don’t know if they were all that color. You would probably know a little better. I do know a 69 roadrunner is running around 100 grand restored. You don’t even see that money around anymore even at car shows they are very scarce.

[1961H67]

Yes,, They have gone crazy especially the Chargers, Road Runners, and the “ Winged  “ Cars . I’ve seen some big trucks getting up there,, it cost much more to restore a old Mack any more,, You would have to ask  way more than it was new to get your money back. 

[mowerman]

yes especially if your not atleast doing most of the work,,,which most of us are here for...especially body and paint,,,crazy money now,,,just for paintjob..bob

[1961H67]

I know it’s off topic,,, but I passed a Chevy Dealership in Melbourne FL about 30 minutes ago,,, And I couldn’t resist! There is a Quarter Million $ ! Back on this Superliner ,, That thing is Definitely detailed. The price to get that truck to that level would be astronomical! I had a lot of paint and supplies get washed down the creek and it hurt as much as the tools did.