ownerdriver.com.au AUGUST 2019 41
But, as he points out, just because he spent about $100,000 on
the Dodge doesn’t mean it’s worth $100,000. “When you restore
a vehicle, you never get the money back.”
After W WII this command car was used during construction
of the Snowy Mountains Hydroelectric Scheme. Later it worked
on a dairy farm on the South Coast of NSW.
Kevin aims for authenticity with his restorations, including
appropriate markings and the obligatory axe and shovel.
Larger vehicles also have a mattock (pickaxe).
His collection includes trucks from W WII and the Vietnam
War era, but he’s not sure whether any accompanied our
military overseas. He also owns many peace-time vehicles,
and he has a few left-hand-drive American trucks.
Kevin suggests anyone keen on becoming involved in the
military vehicle hobby should start with a jeep. “Parts aren’t
a problem nowadays. They manufacture nearly every bit of a
jeep in the Philippines.” He reckons you could find a ‘real good
one’ for between $28,000 and $30,000. Buying a cheaper jeep as
a restoration project is likely to end up costing more, he says.
One of the best things about his hobby is forming
friendships with other collectors. Kevin is a founding member
of the Australian Military Equipment Collectors, which now
has about 30 members. He enjoys attending rallies, including
the Corowa Swim-In and Military Vehicle Gathering. You’ll
also find him and his vehicles at local agricultural shows and
Australian Road Transport Heritage Centre (ARTHC) events. He
even travels to Military Jeep Club of Queensland rallies.
Each Anzac Day Kevin takes several of his vehicles to the
Adelong march. “I had seven there this year.” It wasn’t hard to
find six friends to drive them.
We ask Kevin whether the W WII veterans appreciate
seeing his vehicles at the march. “Well there’s not many left
nowadays,” Kevin replies. “It’s pretty sad, isn’t it?”
“When you restore a
vehicle, you never get
the money back.”