The inaugural Bombay Truck Show started as a murmur, gathering momentum rapidly. The outstanding success of this first event now has us all waiting for news on the next one.

Photo: Graeme Wright‘s ‘Neighbourhood Bully‘ leads a batch of the convoy up to the Bombay Rugby club grounds, site for the show.

What started as a quiet murmur around the traps soon became a loud call for participants to enter and attend the inaugural Bombay Truck Show. The instigator of the proposed show was well-known local transport operator N & J Wood. A truck show organised by people who own and operate one of the sharpest fleets in metro Auckland; this had all the right ingredients from the get-go. The reservation book for participants was full within days of opening, so more space was acquired from the neighbouring market gardener to offer more entries, and these too were snaffled up in a heartbeat. The morning of the event arrived and so did 280 trucks from all corners, gleaming in readiness to be displayed. The effort that some operators go to for a show is extraordinary, and this show was no exception. A few fleets showcased ‘fresh out of the plastic wrapping‘ new additions to their fleets. W E Hale of Mangatawhiri was one of these, with its striking new Kenworth Aerodyne making its first show appearance.

The day was extremely well run by the organisers, and in turn was a storming success for both participants and the viewing public alike, with nearly 7000 through the gates and more than $68,000 raised for local charities. More than 50 industry-related sponsors supported the event by bringing along product and manning the stands; true dedication to the cause. As day rolled into evening the festival continued, with Dave Alley providing music and singing (until his guitar broke), and the trucks all lit up, providing an impressive night lights display. Well done, Marika Wood and her team. The recipe was bang on: affordable, engaging, friendly. This was an outstanding effort and a real credit to those involved. We now all wait with bated breath to hear news of possible dates for the next one!

Photo: The ferry tug restored by John Baillie, Stuart and Patrick Howard, and Warren Gaiger was a magnet, and the scene of many recalled tales. The startups were epic, with the little ‘Jimmy‘ reminding us of a great era in trucking when noise, not NOx, was the focus.

Photo: If one pic (above) summed up Bombay it was this – trucks, people, laughing, chatting, activities, entertainment, fun, affordable, family, community.

Photo: Like a good wine, some trucks improve as they mature, regardless of their vintage.

Photo: Western Star Heavy Hitters – ‘mean!‘

Photo: W E Hale Ltd had its brand new Kenworth Aerodyne at the show.

Photo: R Series Scania of ABHIS Freight, and Heera Transport‘s Freightliner Coronado have a trans-Atlantic chat.

Photo: The Balle family‘s immaculately restored TK Bedford, in the colours of R F (Richie) Powell Carrier, and dedicated to its owner, local legend, the late Ritchie Powell.

Photos: Trade stands were well priced too, allowing more time for relaxed chat and interaction.