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Ray Grima’s White Obsession

Ray and Michelle Grima are planning the 7th Australian White Truck Muster which takes place at Kyabram on March 18 and 19, 2017

 

It is impossible to pinpoint the precise moment Ray Grima’s hobby became an obsession.

But it was definitely sometime before he flew back from the United States with a brick from White Motor Company’s old Cleveland factory packed in his luggage.

His home and shed at Kyabram, Victoria, proudly display die cast models, signs and other memorabilia associated with White Motor Company and the other brands the company manufactured and marketed, including Western Star, Diamond T, Diamond Reo and Cletrac.

Ray’s collection extends to White truck workshop manuals and even sewing machines manufactured by the company.

He has trucks too. In the early 1990s he bought a 1948/49 WC22 which he is now restoring.

His White 802 was manufactured in the late 1930s and is possibly the only 802 in Australia. He plans to preserve it in unrestored condition.

Three single-drive 1978 Road Commanders are the pride of his collection. They were originally test trucks used by Clutha Transport to cart coal in the Camden District, New South Wales.

He travelled as far as Western Australia to secure the Clutha trifecta.

Ray says all three of the Clutha test trucks retain their original running gear. “All their engines and gear boxes and differentials haven’t been modified or touched.”

He dreams of one day opening a White museum to share his obsession with the public.

In the meantime Ray and his wife Michelle are content organising the biennial Australian White Truck Muster at Kyabram. It is held in conjunction with the Kyabram Vintage Machinery Rally.

Their seventh muster takes place on March 18 and 19, 2017. Whites and associated brands will have centre stage, but all truck makes will be welcomed.

For more information visit www.facebook.com/whitetruckmuster or phone Ray on 0407 311 007.

Read more about Ray’s trucking career and White obsession in the October issue of Owner//Driver.

Photography: Tamara Whitsed

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