Classic Truck Show Scores Again

Spectacular Dodge Big Horn from the Tackaberry collection

CLIFFORD, ON — A ‘smashing success’ is about the only way to describe the  third annual Classic Truck Show organized by the Great Lakes Truck Club. In its first year the show attracted some 80 trucks and the organizers, a straight-shooting bunch of antique and classic truck lovers who missed the simple shows of years gone by, were both overjoyed and maybe a little surprised. In 2011 there were about 120 trucks, and the show was clearly on the map.

This year? The count was 171 trucks on the fair grounds in Clifford, Ont., two hours northwest of Toronto, with visitors and their trucks coming from as far away as Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. and Ottawa. The show was held on June 29th and 30th, and while we don’t have a visitor count, the numbers were such that at some points the wide grass aisles between rows of trucks were packed.

It’s easily the largest classic and antique big rig show in Ontario, probably in Canada. There was every possible marque represented this year, more so than in years gone by. The show included a big collection of Macks in the ‘Mack Corral’, a beautiful Brockway Husky, and what may be the best Dodge Big Horn in existence. The latter belongs to the legendary Tackaberry collection in Athens, Ont. Both George Tackaberry and his son Charlie were present at the show, and the Dodge wasn’t the only classic they brought with them. Their presence proves that this show has come of age already and is now a fixture.

A comment heard often was the pleasure felt by participants in facing no competition for awards. This is a no-judging show and will stay that way, according to show organizer and Great Lakes Truck Club director Verdun Zurbrigg. As he said it, the event is just a chance for people who enjoy trucks, and classics especially, to share their enthusiasms.

Go here for more information about the Great Lakes Truck Club. — RL

Alex Griffin’s terrific Brockway Husky with Continental power


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