60 years of the R model in Australia

[mrsmackpaul]

60 years strong! This week’s Mack Facts celebrate the R Series, the model that shaped Mack’s history in Australia.

 1. The most popular Mack series ever built, the legendary R Series truly put Mack on the map, or more accurately, on roads all around the world! While this summary from Mack Inc. captures the global story well, it doesn’t quite reflect the unique Australian history. The last locally built R variant was the Australian-designed Metro-Liner, which rolled off the Richlands production line in December 1996, just over 31 years after the first R Series left the Rocklea facility in October 1965.

 2. In Australia, Mack Trucks Inc. began local manufacturing in early 1963, producing the legendary B Models at the fledgling Rocklea, QLD operation as fast as demand could be met. But operators were soon calling for more performance, greater driver comfort, and increased hauling capacity, paving the way for the R Model, the perfect evolution and worthy successor to the B Model. The first two trucks were imported in mid-1965, an R403 and a more powerful R609. The photo shows the first R609 in Allentown in 1965, ready for shipment to Australia.

 3. Almost 9,000 R Series trucks were built in Australia in an incredible range of configurations. Starting with the ever-popular R609, powered by the tough END711 engine, through to the heavy-duty R800 off-road model, the R Series proved it could handle virtually any hauling task in the harshest conditions. It’s only fitting that such an achievement is celebrated, marking 60 years of the R Series in Australia! The hero photo features the very first V8 R Series delivered locally, owned by Smiler Nilon.

 

 

 

Paul

[mowerman]

That was excellent thanks for that. Paul pretty much the same thing over here….. I read somewhere years ago they sold more Mack’s here between 68-72 than the rest put together I believe that because standing at the New Haven conn toll plaza around 1971 … I would see one Mack after the next mostly U models  … bob

[Brocky]

Paul, Thank you for that post. Australia's biggest conservator of Mack equipment and history  is probably Tony Champion of Rockhampton QLD. Below is a link to the pictures of my visit to his facility in 2015. Click on the picture and the album will open.The R-800 in one of the first back lot pictures is now restored and there was an article about it in a recent ATCA Double Clutch magazine.

 

[mowerman]

Wow thanks for that brocky

[bulldogboy]

A great looking collection. That early "B" model fire engine with a set back front axle is unique. Was most of his collection imported?

Thanks for posting.

[Brocky]

6 hours ago, bulldogboy said:

Was most of his collection imported?

NO.. The majority are Australian trucks even though several are American trucks he has imported. There were a  few years that LHD vehicles were allowed be used in Australia. The Mayne Nickless H model is one of them. Paul Mrs Mack can clarify better.  Tony was also a Cat dealer at one time and his restoration shop is pictured in the old Cat building.

[mrsmackpaul]

There was LHD allowed in some states in Australia and only under some conditions in some states and some states not really at all

People with WW2 type of gear had tp pretty much convert them to RHD in most states

I think most things got converted to RHD as a matter of course and others that didn't had sign written in big ugly writting "CAUTION LEFT HAND DRIVE"

Dunno if the writing made anything safer

I reckon nack in the late 80's things started to change

As imports of classic cars/muscle cars from the U.S. increased, so did dodgy shops converting things to RHD 

As I recall it, some really shoddy conversions were taking place and people were paying huge money for these conversions and I reckon it was maybe when some people died as a result of these conversions that car clubs and the likes really pushed back at the government's rules 

We have car club registrations in Australia that cover collectable cars trucks tractors etc

Your only allowed on the road 45 days of the year and some other rules 

I feel the clubs argued successfully that it was much safer to have these vehicles in good original condition than have dodgy modifications

So back to trucks and every day vehicles 

Only special types of vehicles are allowed to be LHD and on full rego and used daily, as far as I know

Things like cranes and farm machinery and the like 

I'm sure there are lots of exceptions to these rules, but as a general guide that would be my understanding 

There were 2 H model's bought into the country and I feel both were converted to RHD over their working life 

The DM 800's were converted as well as were I feelthe R700's 

The F models had 2 right angle gear boxes on the dash and a PTO shaft joining them up when new in Australia 

Then the FR was introduced and this was a F model cab on a R model chassis 

The R model chassis was used om everything well into the 2000's as the chassis was well suited to RHD 

Enough waffle from me 

 

Paul 

[harrybarbon]

On 11/13/2025 at 1:21 AM, Brocky said:

Paul, Thank you for that post. Australia's biggest conservator of Mack equipment and history  is probably Tony Champion of Rockhampton QLD. Below is a link to the pictures of my visit to his facility in 2015. Click on the picture and the album will open.The R-800 in one of the first back lot pictures is now restored and there was an article about it in a recent ATCA Double Clutch magazine.

 

He certainly has an amazing collection. Every truck, trailer etc that they restore etc is perfection plus. Tony and Bernie and their team are prefectionists. 

[mrsmackpaul]

Copied from Mack Muster Facelessbook page 

 

 

🚛 This Week’s Fact, Countdown to the Mack Muster, 21–22 March 2026!

As we gear up for the Mack Muster next March, here’s a look back at a key moment in Aussie Mack history.

The very first two Australian R series field-evaluation units, the lighter-specced R403RS and the more premium R609RS, rolled out sharing the same fresh appearance, brand-new chassis and a noticeably larger cab. But their stand-out feature was something truly ahead of its time: a revolutionary one-piece fibreglass tilt bonnet.
This new fibreglass design made engine access far easier than ever before.

However, many long-time Mack customers were still big fans of the proven heavy-duty steel-sheeted bonnet and fender setup, similar to the B series. With such strong feedback from operators, MTA engineers soon introduced a steel-bonnet option for the R series. This rugged, tough-looking version quickly earned the nickname “Flintstone” thanks to its (stone age) strong appearance.

More history, more trucks, and more stories just like this will be on show at the Mack Muster, 21–22 March 2026. Don’t miss it! 🚚💨

 

 

 

 

[cruiseliner64]

Very interesting artical Paul....Maybe Aussie operators prefered the steel hoods thinkin the fiberglass hoods wouldnt stand up to being hit by a Roo or Wombat....just a thought.

Paul

[mrsmackpaul]

Hey Mack fans, 

The countdown is on, with 81 days until one of the best weekends of the year!!! 

Don’t forget to lock the 21st and 22nd of March 2026 into your calendars, to get your Macks to Kyabram!! 📅

We hope that everyone had a very Merry Christmas, and here’s looking forward to what 2026 brings! 🎄✨

Sad to Glad!! 🐶🚛: 

The news of the legendary B Model being replaced came as quite a shock to many passionate Mack owners. Why change such a tough, reliable Bulldog? was the loud cry back in 1966.

Mack Trucks Australia certainly heard that feedback and responded with ads and brochures explaining the move to the R Series, reassuring owners that there were BIG improvements to be had — 22 of them, in fact. Best of all, the traditional and trusted Mack components remained: the Mack 711 engine, Quad box transmission, and those famously tough axles and suspensions. Truly the best of both worlds.

The brawny new shape of the R Series, according to Mack, said “Truck” with a capital T. With the R Series, Mack claimed it was more than ever the MAN’s TRUCK — bold words indeed!

History proved that chest-beating was well founded, with the R Series going on to become the most popular model ever produced by the Bulldog breed. 💪🐶

 

 

 

 

 

Paul 

[Brocky]

Paul, I sure would like to be able to come Down Under for the Mack Muster, BUT many circumstances will not allow it.. If any of you other BMT member think you can make it plan on spending at least two weeks in Australia. There are many private collections and several "just tourist" things to do. If you PM me I can send you the email address of the lady who designed our ATHS Down Under Tour.