MODERN CLASSICS - THE 388 & 389 PETERBILT

In-depth

23 July

2012 Peterbilt 388. Owned by Judy and Mike Oliver.

In 2012 Judy Oliver and her son Alan, came from Cloncurry, Qld to the Castlemaine Truck Show, Vic with a brand-new 388 Peterbilt.

150 ton rated, road-train triple spec - the truck was built to order by American Truckworks. By the time the truck was converted to a right hooker - and Judy's artistic vision was turned into reality paintwork - the Oliver's had outlaid some $600,000.

**That stainless could pass for mirrors**

With an IXF15 Cummins donk driving through an 18 speed auto, the Pete hauls tippers, floats and flat tops. The 70 inch sleeper is a nice place to be with double bed, two TV’s, fridge, captain's chairs and enough hanging space to please Imelda Marcos.

When asked why a Peterbilt? Judy replied simply, "They're beautiful!”

Hubby, Mike wanted a Volvo. “We discussed it at length and came to a happy compromise. I got the 388, but I allowed him to have automatic transmission."

Here’s a few specs:

Tare: 12580 Kg. GCM: 150 Ton Wheelbase: 6.8 Metres

Engine: ISX 15 Common Rail HP: 600 Torque: 2050 Ft Lb

Peterbilt 389. Driven by Jason Foo.

In 2017, when interviewed, Jason Foo, better known as Jr, was driving for JNT Trucking, based at Kilmore just outside of Melbourne. Owner James Thomas is a bit keen on the Peterbilt product which suits Jr down to the ground. “They’re pretty much the only trucks we have apart from one Volvo. One driver wanted to change so the boss went and got him one.”

Nice boss, that!

Jason was then the new kid on the block, having joined the company a little over a month prior. He sits behind the wheel of a 2015, 389 Peterbilt. “Oh mate, I’m wrapped! I can’t get the smile off my face.

I actually thought I was getting the newer model (there’s a 2017 Peterbilt in the fleet as well) but like I care! I’m as happy as Larry. No I’m not - I’m happier.”

Jason goes everywhere, hauling general freight. The biggest bugbear of the job must be cleaning the truck which adheres to the Henry Ford principle of any colour you want as long as it’s black. “It’s not too bad, actually. And again, who cares. I’ve gone to heaven. I am driving a Rolls-Royce”

The truck used to be a Truck Works tow truck. Truck Works did the conversion back to a prime mover.