February 1985

I know it was February 1985 that these shots were taken as my wife and I were on honeymoon in the far north. At that time Matte Franicevich owned NZs only Peterbilt and I wanted to see it while in the area.
I had no idea where his yard was located in Dargaville so asked the barman at the pub we were staying in.
He informed us that the driver came in there regularly and as it was Saturday night he would surely be in. About an hour later he turned up and we were introduced to Maurie. He offered to pick us up on Sunday morning and take us to the yard where we met Matte and had a ride in the Pete.
I always tell me wife that was the highlight of our honeymoon !

Matte poses in front of one of his beloved Americans.
A newly acquired (at that time) International Transtar with sleeper box.

Filling up the Pete with diesel before a short run.

A posed shot whilst on the road.

Side on profile.
The Pete was originally a long wheelbase tractor unit with sleeper, but the sleeper was removed before it left the States. 350 Cummins and no power steering.

My wife tries her hand(s) at the 5x4 twin stick Spicer.

Another in Matte's fleet. International Paystar.
Strange angle of photo was the only way I could fit it in without getting other stuff in the photo.
There was lots in the yard to take snaps of, but remember this was before digital photography and one tended to be more economical with film use.

The newly arrived Transtar.