European Trucks

The first European trucks in NZ probably began appearing in the 1960s with a few Mercedes-Benz coming into the country, but it wasn't till the 70s that other European truck makes began arriving. Most of the following photos were snapped in the 1980s.

This Kirbys of Nelson Mercedes with furniture trailer hasn't started its days work yet, as is evident by the heavy dew on the glass. This unit has the optional high, front-mounted air intake, often specified for dusty climates.
Kirbys became a part of the Transport Nelson group in 1970, thus giving Transport Nelson an entry into the world of  furniture removal  which was a large proportion of Kirbys business.

Lower Hutt's Neal Machirus had a few of these Australian sourced LK111 Scanias. LKs of course have the set forward front axle, which necessitates entry by climbing the steps behind the wheel then stepping forward to the door, similar to entering an American COE.

This V10 Mercedes-Benz 2232 stock truck climbs the road over the Kaimai Range. This Benz also has the front-mounted high air intake.

In Shell livery, is a 1982 Fiat 170 heading North along the Eastern shores of Lake Taupo.

This smart 1978 Mercedes-Benz 1424 in day cab form is configured as an A-train. In Tokoroa, where this was snapped,   those flat decks  most probably cart cut timber.

Gray Brothers of Greytown use their G88 Volvo (set forward front axle model) to move a shop to a new location. This picture in Pownall Street Masterton.

Northern Southland Transport are big user of German "breeds". This 3 axle MAN with 4 axle drawbar trailer takes on a load of concrete building blocks in Queenstown.

Tatras are not common in NZ, but a few arrived here in the 70s and 80s. Many of them were employed in off-road work. This one I spotted somewhere in rural South Island. Tatras were unusual in having independent rear suspension with swing axles.

A 4 wheel drive Mercedes-Benz with wide tyres was rigged as a fertilizer spreader, parked at Fox Glacier.

"There's an Aussie in our midst." A lone International sits amongst the Mercedes-Benzs of the Gleeson fleet in Pahiatua.
Eric Gleeson will be remembered for his passion for the German product and his scones that he regularly baked for his staff.

Renaults seemed to disappear as fast as they arrived on the NZ trucking scene. This one was parked at the side of State Highway 3, N.W. of Palmerston North.

Smaller Scanias, like this LB80 from 1972, are not as common as the heavy duty models in NZ. Even less common to see one as a tow truck.