What’s Happening?
Rockhampton truck collector Tony Champion is taking one of his restored Mack Super-Liners to the Casino Truck Show.
The truck began its working life as a Tasmanian log truck before Champion bought and rebuilt it. His family transformed the vehicle into a show truck while retaining much of its original character.
The Casino appearance will mark the first time Champion has entered one of his trucks in the event.
Why It Matters
The Super-Liner represents Champion’s long connection with Mack trucks and his family’s commitment to restoring classic vehicles.
Rather than keeping the collection as a personal hobby, Champion works alongside his son and grandson. Together, they restore trucks that might otherwise be lost to age, rust and changing transport needs.
Their work also keeps the history of Australian road transport alive for future drivers and truck enthusiasts.
Local Impact
Champion’s Rockhampton collection has become a family operation, with several generations sharing the work and passion behind each restoration. His brother is also part of the family’s connection to Mack trucks and owns several vehicles.
In an exclusive interview with The Rocky News, he said working with his family made it difficult to leave the shed at the end of the day.
“The hardest thing is going home,” he said. “It is a heap of fun, and we have enjoyed every minute of it.”
By The Numbers
- The 1988 Mack Super-Liner Series Two retains its 500-horsepower Mack E9 V8 engine, which remains close to its original configuration.
- The restored truck has airbag suspension and a 70-inch sleeper cabin fitted with a double bed.
- Champion’s collection includes about 80 trucks, including six Super-Liners, gathered and restored across 20 years.
Zoom In
Champion purchased the Super-Liner after its earlier working life as a log truck in Tasmania. The family lengthened its chassis, installed airbag suspension and added the larger sleeper cabin.
“It started as a Tasmanian log truck originally,” Champion said. “We purchased it, lengthened the chassis and made it into a show truck.”
While the Casino-bound Super-Liner holds an important place in the collection, another Mack carries even deeper personal meaning. Champion once found the first Mack he had owned after being separated from it for 38 years.
He located the truck in Port Macquarie, where years of exposure had left it badly rusted. Champion brought it back to Rockhampton, and his family began the major restoration.
“We restored it, and the boys made such a good job of it,” he said. “I remember the day we drove it out of the shed. It looked better than brand new.”
Returning to the driver’s seat brought back memories that had remained with Champion throughout those years.
“After a 38-year gap, I was back in the same seat and looking over the same bonnet,” he said. “That was pretty special.”
Zoom Out
The Champion family’s interest in Mack trucks extends beyond Tony’s collection, with his brother also owning several vehicles.
Their 1988 Super-Liner will now represent Rockhampton at the 2026 Casino Truck Show. Friday Night Lights will open the event on 31 July, followed by the main show on Saturday, 1 August.
“This will be the first truck we have had at Casino,” Champion said. “They have been asking for this truck for years, especially this one.”
What To Look For Next?
Champion and his family will take the restored Super-Liner south for its long-awaited Casino debut.
Visitors will be able to see the truck’s original Mack character alongside the family’s extensive restoration work.
