OCTOBER 2010 OLD TIME TRUCKS
A RARE MACK CONVERSION
By Old Truck Nuts John & Shirley Sponholtz
This 1957 Mack BCR, owned by David McMichael of Berthoud, Colorado, is a very unusual truck. It was originally a B-61 when purchased used by McReki Bakery in Denver, Colorado. Powered by a 711 Mack engine with a 5x3 Mack transmission, this tractor was used for many years to haul McDonald’s hamburger buns from Montana to Texas. In later years, it was switched to local delivery routes and, eventually, it became a yard truck. David bought the Mack from the bakery in 1999, after the business closed down. What makes this truck unusual is its conversion from a “B” model to an “R” model. From 1968 to 1974 Mack offered a body conversion kit that allowed a dealer or owner to convert a “B” model Mack to an “R” model. Converted in 1974, David’s truck is one of only a few of these conversions still known to exist. Mack sold between 4,000 and 5,000 conversion kits, whose purpose was to update an old “B” model or rebuild one that had been wrecked. The conversion kit included a full cab, hood assembly, steering gear and a set of mounting brackets. These days, seeing a Mack BCR is a rare treat, even if it isn’t in perfect condition. David’s Mack (seen here) is a perfect example of that fact. To read about more unique old trucks, visit Old Time Trucks magazine at www.oldtimetrucks.org today.