Thermodyne F-head inline six-cylinder engine with blocks cast in threes, Mack five-speed gearbox with Mack Duplexer auxiliary transmission, and solid front axle with double rear semi-elliptic leaf springs.

• From the collection of Ray Bowersox

• Fully restored in the early-1980s and meticulously maintained

The history of the Mack truck begins in the 1890s, when Jack Mack took a job at the Fallesen & Berry carriage and wagon company. Shortly thereafter, Jack partnered with his brother Augustus to purchase the firm and focus solely on wagon building, and soon after, they were joined by their brother William. The brothers saw the changing times and experimented with electric and steam powered vehicles around the turn of the century. John Mack later had a vision to create the most powerful and durable heavy-duty trucks in the world.

The Mack L-Series heavy-duty trucks from 1940–1956 exhibit clean, timeless styling and proved extremely popular. Certain models in this series combined many aluminum components with the more powerful engines to satisfy the long distance hauling needs of West Coast operators. Some 35,000 Mack L models graced the highways in their day, and in 1949, Mack Trucks was still a leader in the big-rig industry.

This example was fully restored circa 1979–1980 and was displayed shortly thereafter, winning a First Junior Award followed by a Senior Award at Hershey in 1980. Finished in green with a red chassis and suspension, this example has been very carefully looked after since the completion of its restoration, and its condition is exemplary of the care and preservation it has received. The brown grained vinyl interior shows no sign of wear, nor do the beige painted dash and door panels. The engine compartment appears to be completely stock and only shows very light signs of aging. The brightwork is in extremely good condition, and this Mack presents very well overall, with the famous bulldog mascot leading the way across the highways of America.