A Classic Among The Classics

Mack B-models seem to be a favorite among antique truck nuts, and this 1962 B-61 owned by Jack Johnson of Plymouth, Michigan, is a prime example. From 1953 to 1966 Mack produced over 127,000 B-models, and nearly 53,000 of those were B-61s, making it one of their most popular trucks. That production number explains why a good many of them are still around in various states of repair (or disrepair). Jack’s flatbed Mack worked as a tractor hauling trailer-loads of goods in New Jersey for the first twelve years of its life. Then, a lumber company bought it and used it for many years to haul lumber from a railhead to the company’s yard. Eventually, the Mack made its way to Dennis Meehan’s collection, where Jack bought the truck in 2006. It had only 124,000 miles on it at the time. With the help of his son Bill, Jack got to work restoring the old Mack. The two men did all of the work themselves, “From front to back and top to bottom,” according to Jack. The low mileage meant that the truck’s Mack Thermodyne diesel engine was still in good shape and only needed a little tuning up. A new paint job, along with some spit-and-polish on the shiny parts, had the truck looking good again. New tires and a restored interior finished it off. Now, Jack enjoys taking his treasure to truck shows. In this photo, the truck can be seen on display at the famous Truckers Jamboree held every year at the Iowa 80 Truck Stop in Walcott, Iowa.