Archive, Industry News

NTIs restored Roxanne finds new home

Queensland-based winner has acquired the 1946 Jailbar and Isuzu N Series hybrid

 

A lucky winner now has the keys to National Transport Insurance (NTI’s) custom-built Ford Jailbar truck that featured at this year’s Brisbane Truck Show.

The newly-restored truck, named Roxanne, is a hybrid of a 1946 Jailbar (body) and Isuzu N Series (donor vehicle).

Winning ticket holder Michelle Wilkie of Munruben, Queensland claimed Roxanne on the last day of the truck show, where the truck was displayed for the duration of the event.

This was a third such project for the insurance provider that has helped raise $113,087.02 for motor neurone disease (MND) medical research.

NTI CEO Tony Clark says the team’s success at surpassing previous raffle sales signifies a commitment from NTI, industry and community alike to raise awareness and support for the terminal disease.

“Roxanne is the work of many hands and hundreds of man hours,” Clark says.

“It’s been a genuine labour of love, not only for our NTI project team, but also our external project partners.

“The quality of workmanship and funds raised could not have been achieved otherwise.”

Clark thanked NTI’s partners in this project – Royan Truck & Trailer Repairs, Annvid Auto Upholsterers & Marine Trimmers, PPG Paints, Hy-Way Truck Accessories, Battery World, Isuzu Trucks and TEKNO – for getting involved and supporting the cause.

Clark says each restoration project carried out by the NTI “is an opportunity to innovate and learn” and this project was no different.

The specifications of the rebuild truck are “impressive”, Clark says.

“We build with purpose,” he says.

“Each truck is unique and a work of art in its own right, but this time we took things a step further.”


Read how NTI launched its latest MND-research restoration project, here


Earlier this year, NTI announced that 100 per cent of the money collected from the ticket sales via NTI’s official research grant and MND Research Institute of Australia will go directly to University of Queensland associate professor Trent Woodruff for his research project entitled, ‘Manipulation of free fatty acid receptors to tame the immune response in MND’.

NTI’s restoration project manager, Don Geer, says the truck strikes the perfect balance between old and new, with bespoke features that set it apart from others.

“This is the third truck we’ve completed now, the second to give away – but it doesn’t make it any easier to send them off,” Geer jokes.

“It’s all for a good cause though.

“It’s a gift that keeps giving; a legacy for our organisation, support for a disease impacting thousands of Australian’s, and an initiative that unites industry and community alike.

“It’s a humbling experience.

“It’s a day job that has the potential to make the world of difference.”

 

Previous ArticleNext Article
Send this to a friend