Representing the WA Mack Muster & Truck Show, this classic 1981 White Road Boss is the third finalist to be revealed in the inaugural Silverback Show ‘N’ Shine National Championship to be staged alongside the 2025 Brisbane Truck Show as part of Truck Week 25.
Remarkably, the truck (photographed above by Show ‘N’ Shine curator Warren Aitken) was purchased new by Colli Timber & Hardware from CJD Equipment in Perth in August 1982. It was purchased to upgrade the company’s small fleet consisting of an N1025 Volvo, a Leyland Super Hippo, a Butterbox C1800 International and a Dodge D5N.
‘The Boss’ carted West Australian hardwoods – mainly Jarrah and Karri logs – to its sawmills from 1982 through to 2004. The first 10 years it was hooked to a single trailer but from 1992 until 2004 as longer vehicles came into the picture it towed a road train.
In 2006 after having travelled some 2.2million kms ‘The Boss’ was retired back to single trailer work and with a Palfinger crane installed on the back, it carted timber wall frames and trusses to building sites around Perth and country WA until its final retirement in 2013.
After sitting in the shed for two years the Colli family decided to refurbish the truck back to its showroom condition and in 2015 commenced the project stripping it back and starting again.
The NTC 400 Big Cam was rebuilt, an 18-speed overdrive box was fitted, brakes were overhauled, electrical wiring stripped and rebuilt, airlines replaced, air drier fitted, steering box reconditioned, and pins bushes and shock absorbers replaced – plus lots more.
Little work was required to the cab but the family re-fitted the sleeper that had been in storage for 20 years and added a Coolabah air-conditioner, TV along with walk-through access.
‘The Boss’ was painted to the current company colours and some chrome was added along with LED lights and stainless guards.
This impressive restoration was topped off with a mural added to the back of the sleeper which shows the history of the company and the involvement of ‘The Boss’.
‘The Boss’ was the ‘People’s Choice’ winner at the 2022 WA Mack Muster and Truck Show – and is sure to attract lots of attention at the Silverback Show ‘N’ Shine National Championship from May 15-18!
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